Tension has gripped the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following a violent clash between the Ezza and Ishiagu communities, leaving many feared dead and resulting in the abduction of a husband and wife. The unrest is said to have stemmed from a dispute over farmland between the Ezzas and the Ihe people.
According to eyewitness accounts, the conflict began when a man from Ishiagu went to collect pig feed but was confronted by a group of youths during the burial of a young man. The altercation, which initially appeared to be a personal disagreement, escalated when the man was asked to turn back. A fight broke out, leaving one person injured. In retaliation, members of the other faction allegedly set a house on fire. Police were called in and made some arrests, but violence flared again, with reports that some assailants attacked and killed individuals in the early hours of the following day, and abducted two people.
The council chairman of Ivo LGA, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbonna Aja, confirmed the incident, stating that he personally appealed to the police for the release of those detained in connection with the crisis. He described the matter as a minor land-related disagreement that was hijacked by troublemakers intent on creating chaos. Aja confirmed that two people had been abducted and urged for their immediate release.
Calling for calm, Aja condemned the violence, stressing that killing over land disputes is unjustifiable and warning that perpetrators will face legal consequences. He also emphasized the need to identify and remove criminal elements fueling the unrest, while urging residents to avoid reprisals.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that the abducted victims are Mr. and Mrs. Lazrous Igboke. He revealed that a rescue mission had been launched, and although a piece of clothing belonging to one of the victims was found, the couple remains missing. Ukandu added that there is no confirmed death toll yet, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the root cause of the crisis.