A land dispute between Ezeke-Amasiri and Amata-Akpoha communities in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has resulted in the injury of seven people and the destruction of farm lands.
The Amasiri youths invaded the disputed farm land in broad daylight, attacking men and women of the Akpoha community who were working there. The attack has created panic and tension in the community, with three persons in critical condition battling for survival in a hospital in Afikpo LGA.
The protracted land dispute has disrupted the peace and unity of the two warring communities, forcing them to live in perpetual fear and apprehension over possible attacks by each other. Hon. Uchenna Ibiam, the Chairman of the Council Area, visited the disputed land for an on-the-spot assessment of the crisis and to find a lasting solution to the problem following renewed hostilities that erupted between the two communities.
Hon. Ibiam, during an emergency Peace and Security meeting in the council area, said his administration is poised to take necessary steps that would end the incessant clash between the people of Ezeke-Amasiri and their neighbouring Amata-Akpoha Community over land skirmishes within the axis. He warned mischief makers who take advantage of their social status in their communities to ignite crisis for their own selfish gain to desist from such satanic ventures as they will be exposed, arrested and prosecuted for breach of public peace.
The Chairman noted that Amasiri and Akpoha are neighbouring communities that ordinarily should sustain the atmosphere of peaceful co-existence, especially as they are bonded by the Ikwu matrilineal system in Igbo land, marital affinity among other shared interests of mutuality. He appealed to both parties to sheath their swords and give peace a chance, directing that members of the “warring communities” are barred from entering the disputed land till further notice.
Reacting to the crisis, the Traditional Ruler of Amasiri Autonomous Community, HRH. Ezeogo Omezue Bassey Idam Onya, commended the council boss for his prompt interventions, which forestalled the escalation of the crisis, and assured him of his determination to continue to preach peace to the people while awaiting further actions from the government.
Normalcy has been restored following the prompt intervention of the Council Chairman and security agencies who were mobilized to the area. However, the people of the two communities have accepted to wait for the action of the state government in the disputed land