Four persons were killed on Thursday night in Okporojo-Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following a renewed boundary clash with neighbouring Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area. The attackers also razed several houses, while graphic videos showing headless bodies and burning homes later circulated on social media.
The two communities have been locked in a decades-long dispute over land, a conflict that has claimed many lives and caused extensive destruction of property despite repeated intervention efforts by successive state administrations.
Local sources alleged that the assailants came from the Amasiri axis, adding that the victims were beheaded and their heads taken away, while two persons are still missing. The incident plunged the affected community into mourning and reignited concerns over the unresolved land dispute.
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Internal Security, Etta Uka Ude, confirmed the killings, describing them as “barbaric, unlawful and totally unacceptable.” He noted that the attack did not occur in the actual disputed area, making it even more disturbing, and said the state government swiftly mobilised security agencies to prevent further escalation.
According to Ude, tactical police teams and military personnel have been deployed, calm has largely been restored, and investigations are underway to arrest and prosecute those responsible. Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu and Edda Local Government Chairman Chima Ekumankama also confirmed the incident, condemning the violence and urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
