At least four people have been confirmed dead in a renewed outbreak of violence over a longstanding land dispute between Ndukwe Community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and Okporojo in Osso Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The fresh hostilities, part of a decades-long conflict, also saw houses and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

A source from Okporojo claimed that the victims were from the community, and alleged that the attackers came from neighbouring Amasiri. However, the identity of the assailants could not be independently confirmed at the time of this report.

The security situation has forced many residents of Edda LGA to avoid the Amasiri road, opting instead to travel through Afikpo town out of fear of further attacks.

Despite previous efforts to resolve the crisis, including a white paper issued by the past administration based on recommendations from a government committee, implementation has reportedly stalled?leading to recurring violence.

Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Chima Ekumankama, confirmed the killing of four people during the recent attack on Okporojo Idima in Osso Edda.

He noted that security operatives have been deployed to restore normalcy.

He pointed out that he has visited the area to reassure the people of government?s commitment towards ending the lingering dispute.

Ekumankama commended the state governor, Francis Nwifuru for taking proactive steps by moving security agents to the area.

?I can assure you that normalcy and peace have returned to the area. I personally visited the area and witnessed the level of destruction done and as we speak, there are enough security personnel in the area to forestall a reoccurrence.?

Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Timothy Nwachi also explained that the state government had deployed security operatives to the buffer zone to de-escalate tension and restore normalcy in the two communities.

He described the renewed hostility as unfortunate and appealed to the people of Amasiri to remain calm pending government?s decision on the matter.

Police spokesperson in the State, Joshua Ukandu said he has not been briefed about any attack that occurred in the area. (The Nation)

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