Residents of Akaeze in Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, are mourning the devastating loss of several members of their community following a violent attack by unidentified assailants.
Reports gathered from local sources and visual evidence, including photos and videos, indicate that the attack occurred on Monday, with most victims being farmers ambushed on their farmlands.
Disturbing visuals shared by residents revealed at least five lifeless bodies, some with gruesome injuries, including one individual with a deep gash on the neck.
Community members believe the attack stems from a prolonged land dispute between Akaeze and the neighbouring Umuogwor community, which has escalated into a deadly conflict.
According to eyewitnesses, at least seven farmers were killed, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Okoro David, an Akaeze resident, described the killings as “heartless and unwarranted,” lamenting the continued violence against his community.
“Monday’s attack left seven people dead, and their bodies are still being recovered. This has been ongoing for over five months.
“Innocent farmers are being killed while trying to harvest their crops,” he said, appealing to authorities for urgent intervention.
Another resident, Omezuo, highlighted the challenges faced by Akaeze farmers, who now work their fields at night to avoid attacks.
“Since May, we’ve been forced off our lands. Our women are harassed, and men are attacked with weapons. Even after we are driven away, our harvests are stolen,” he explained.
Efforts to confirm the incident with the state police command were inconclusive.
While the spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, acknowledged incidents in the area, he could not provide detailed information at the time but assured that updates would follow.
Ebonyi State has seen a rise in border and communal conflicts, with similar incidents reported earlier this year.
In November, a land dispute between Akaeze and Umuogwor led to two deaths, while in May, an attack on Ikachi Village in the Ohaukwu LGA resulted in two fatalities and seven abductions.
Residents are calling on the government and security agencies to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed in the region.