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By Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has declared the land being contested by the people of Umuobor-Akaeze and Ogwor-Ishiagu, both in Ivo Local Government Area of the state, a buffer zone.
The land tussle between the two neighbours has taken a dangerous twist, with lives lost and properties destroyed.
The two neighbouring communities have been at war for over five decades over a fertile piece of land known as Elueke.
The conflict escalated further, with killings of members of both communities and even road users plying the ever-busy Akaeze/Ishiagu expressway that links the warring communities.
A truck driver from Imo State, who was travelling along the Ayaragu axis of the expressway, was killed last weekend by suspected warlords who have been blocking the road since the conflict intensified three months ago.
On Wednesday this week, four people, including a man and his son, were killed, while two decomposing bodies were also recovered.
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Governor Nwifuru, angered by the killings and maiming by the warring communities, declared the disputed land a buffer zone.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike, on Thursday.
She stated: “His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has observed with serious concern the lingering crisis between the people of Umuobor-Akaeze and Ogwor-Ishiagu in Ivo LGA over a piece of land.
“Consequently, the Governor has declared the disputed land a buffer zone and directed both parties to steer clear of the disputed land, as anybody found there will face the wrath of the law.
“The Governor also directs security agencies to beef up security to ensure full compliance with these directives and maintain law and order in the area.
“The Governor further invites 20 stakeholders from each of the communities to a crucial meeting on Monday next week.”
