At least three persons have been reported killed and four others abducted, but later freed ,in a fresh boundary dispute between two communities in Ebonyi State.
The two affected communities, Oso-Edda Community in Afikpo South Local Government area and Nde Ndukwe Amasiri Community, in Afikpo North Local Government area, have embroiled in an age-long land dispute which has been managed from turning violent till this week.
The latest round of violence broke out on Monday and lasted till Wednesday when security agencies stepped in to restore normalcy.
Details have remained sketchy, but sources in the area alleged that individuals suspected to be Amasiri community militia invaded Okporojo, Nde Obasi, Ogiri and Idima – all farm settlement villages in Ọsọ-Edda, destroying houses and razing farm produce.
This reortedly led to a reprisal attack by the Oso-Edda people.
Police spokesman in Ebonyi State, Chris Anwanwu confirmed the incident but was silent on the casualty figure
The four abducted Edda youths were said to have been freed unhurt, according to a statement released by the Council Chairman of Afikpo South Local Government Area, Chima Ekumankama,who appealed for calm among the people.
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The Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area, Uche Ibiam who also confirmed the incident, says a peace meeting organized by the Chairmen of both Councils in collaboration with some Monarchs and Heads of Security Agencies in the area had restored normalcy to the affected communities.
(Editor:Oloyede Oworu)
