Man Beheaded In Ebonyi-Benue Boundary Dispute

By Peter Okutu
ABAKALIKI—ONE Eze Stephen of Ojiogu village, Ukwuagba- Ngbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was weekend reportedly beheaded over the lingering war between the community and their counterpart of Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
Nwede Augustine was also kidnapped when unknown gunmen invaded the Ngbo community, allegedly from Agila community in Benue State.
About five others were reportedly injured during the invasion which occurred in the night.
The two neighbouring communities have been at war for decades over boundary issues with many lives lost and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson for Ebonyi State Police Command, ASP George Okafor said the command received a report from the Coordinator of the Development Centre, Donatus Agbo on the attack.
He said the matter was still under investigation.
His words: “It is an inter-state crisis and from the information available to us, this crisis has lasted for so many years.
“So once in a while, it comes up. We have visited the scene, recovered some of the AK 47 empty shell bullets used by the Agila people when they invaded the whole village.
“They really caused serious damage to that village but we are on the matter and we will do all the needful to get the matter strengthened out.”
Okafor disclosed that security personnel had been deployed to the area to ensure adequate protection of lives and properties and to cause the immediate release of the kidnapped victim in the area.