A renewed boundary dispute between Ogwor and Umuobor communities in Ebonyi State has led to four deaths despite a government-imposed buffer zone. The conflict, ongoing for decades despite a Supreme Court ruling in Umuobor’s favor, continues with attacks and reprisals. Authorities urge both sides to maintain peace while mediation efforts are underway.

No fewer than four people have been killed in a renewed boundary dispute between Ogwor community in Ishiagu and their Umuobor neighbors in Akaeze, both located in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Three of the victims were reportedly part of a group that entered the disputed land to harvest yams on Wednesday, while a woman was killed earlier on Monday.

The two communities have been engaged in a conflict for over five decades over a vast and fertile land known as Elueke. Over the years, many lives have been lost, and properties worth billions of naira have been destroyed.

The dispute reached the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which ruled in favor of Umuobor, declaring them the rightful owners of the land. However, successive governments in Ebonyi State have failed to enforce the court's ruling, allowing the conflict to persist.

Despite the Supreme Court judgment in 1991, hostilities have continued, with both sides launching attacks and counterattacks. The crisis escalated further towards the end of last year, leading to multiple deaths on both sides and prompting the state government to declare the disputed land a buffer zone.

The government also established a committee to mediate between the two communities and find a lasting solution. However, despite restrictions placed on residents from entering the disputed land, the violence has not stopped.

Reports indicate that on Monday, a woman was killed on the disputed land. She was said to be from Okwue, a different community not directly involved in the land dispute. However, she was allegedly working on the land alongside individuals from Ogwor when they were attacked by suspected fighters.

On Wednesday, three people from Umuobor were also killed in what is believed to be a reprisal attack for the Monday incident.

A source from Umuobor expressed frustration, revealing that residents of the community have been suffering from severe hunger due to the restriction on accessing the land. Unable to endure the situation any longer, some members of the community entered the land to harvest yams.

According to the source, as they were harvesting, gunmen suspected to be from Ogwor launched an attack, killing three individuals.

“They shot three people dead, while two others remain missing,” the source, who requested anonymity, said.

Chinasa Okorie, the Coordinator of Akaeze Development Centre, confirmed the killings. He described the incident as unfortunate and urged the community to maintain peace and avoid further escalation.

He also advised all parties to respect the government's directive and stay away from the disputed land until a resolution is reached.

“I am aware of the killings. I was informed about them, and I even visited the community today to appeal for peace. We cannot allow the situation to worsen.

“While it is important to consider the governor’s order prohibiting anyone from entering the land, we must also acknowledge that those who carried out the killings also defied the same order. Two wrongs do not make a right.

“We have continuously reminded them that the executive order remains in effect, and there are consequences for violating it,” he said.

Emmanuel Ajah, Chairman of the Council, also condemned both communities for disobeying the government’s directive.

“The government has declared the land a buffer zone. If you go there, you are doing so at your own risk. Everyone is aware of the governor’s directive, and if you ignore it, you have no one to blame but yourself.

“The governor has set up a committee, and the committee is actively working on a resolution. Anyone who enters the land and faces consequences cannot complain,” he said.

Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the killing of the woman on Monday and urged residents to comply with the government’s directive.

“The incident involving the woman occurred on the 17th. That is the case we have verified so far, and we are investigating it. Security personnel have been deployed to the area.

“We urge all stakeholders to sheathe their swords and support the government’s efforts in resolving this crisis. Meetings are already being arranged, and all parties have been advised to stay away from the disputed land until a resolution is reached,” he said.