The people of Umuobor, Akaeze, in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have staged a protest against the ongoing violence, killings, and destruction linked to their long-standing land dispute with their neighbors, the Ogwor community in Ishiagu.
The protesters, primarily widows, youths, and women, carried placards with various messages as they marched through the community and surrounding areas, expressing outrage over the continued bloodshed. They alleged that the conflict had claimed over 100 lives, calling it unacceptable and urging authorities to intervene.
Felicia Ajali, a pregnant woman among the protesters, shared her heartbreaking experience. She recounted how her husband and two children were killed last month while harvesting food on the disputed land.
“My husband and children were my strength, and they have been taken from me. This land dispute has left me devastated. I sent them to harvest cassava, but they never returned. Now, I am left with only one child. How will I survive this?” she lamented, calling on the Ogwor people and the government to respect the Supreme Court’s judgment and relinquish the land to Umuobor.
The conflict, which has lasted for decades, revolves around the fertile land known as Elueke. Despite a 1991 Supreme Court ruling in favor of Umuobor, tensions have persisted, leading to numerous casualties and property losses worth billions of naira.
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Francis Nwifuru recently declared the land a buffer zone and established a committee to find a lasting resolution. However, attacks have continued, with four more people killed last month while harvesting crops—three from Umuobor and one from Okue community.
Chief Sylvanus Ibeh, a leader in Umuobor, expressed frustration over the renewed clashes, emphasizing that Umuobor had already won the legal battle from the high court to the Supreme Court. He condemned the destruction of schools, churches, homes, and other properties, calling for urgent government intervention to enforce the court’s ruling and restore peace.
