A violent communal clash between the Ezza and Ishiagu communities in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has reportedly left several people feared dead, with a husband and wife abducted during the unrest.
The crisis, which erupted over a lingering farmland dispute, took a deadly turn when a minor altercation spiralled into full-blown violence.
Witnesses said the conflict began when a man from Ishiagu was stopped by youths while attempting to collect pig feed during a burial ceremony.
“It was initially a personal misunderstanding that got out of hand,” a local source told reporters. “When the man was asked to leave, a fight broke out.
One person
was injured, and in retaliation, a house was set ablaze. Police were called, and several arrests were made.”
Tensions escalated further when armed individuals allegedly launched a retaliatory attack in the early hours of the next day, resulting in multiple casualties and the abduction of two residents.
Chairman of Ivo Local Government, Mr Emmanuel Ogbonna Aja, confirmed the incident and said he had visited the police to advocate for the release of those detained.
He said the violence stemmed from a dispute over farmland between the Ezza and Ihe communities, but was hijacked by criminal elements seeking to incite chaos.
“I can confirm the abduction of a husband and wife,” Aja stated. “We have also received disturbing reports that more people, including women, may have been abducted.
I strongly condemn these actions and urge both communities to exercise restraint.”
The council boss called for peace and stressed that violence cannot resolve land disputes.
“Killing is never justifiable,” he said. “We must identify and dislodge the bad elements stoking tension.
The law will catch up with those who take lives over such disputes.”
Mr Aja further urged security agencies to investigate the cause of the conflict and determine whether the violence was a fresh attack or a retaliatory strike.
The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the abduction of Mr and Mrs Lazarus Igboke.
He said police operatives have launched a rescue operation but have so far only recovered a piece of clothing believed to belong to one of the victims.
“We began a rescue mission immediately after receiving the report, but the couple remains missing,” Ukandu said. “No deaths have been officially recorded at this point, but investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crisis.”