HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES IN BORDER COMMUNITY IN EBONYI STATE FLEE FOR SAFETY

A border community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has fled their homes following clashes with their neighbour at Ukele in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. The incident also grounded traffic at Igbeagu axis of Abakaliki-Ogoja Trans Sahara Highway as commuters and motorists plying the road could not continue with their journey over fear of being attacked.

Our Correspondent visited the crisis area and reported that sounds of gunshots were being heard at the boundary lines, as at the time of filing this report The boundary dispute between the people of Igbeagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and their neighbour in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State dates back to 2005.

Since then, it has been from one incident to the other until last week when it resulted in open confrontation which has recorded many casualties. Two displaced persons from Igbeagu Community, Mr Ogbonaya Acha and Mrs Nneka Onwe told Radio Nigeria that they had been rendered homeless as their property and houses were burnt by suspected attackers.

A motorist traveling to Yola, Malam Kabiru Umar lamented that he had spent hours at a military check point in the area as a result of the clashes. The Traditional Ruler of Igbeagu Community, Eze Michael Ogbonaya explained that he made efforts to quell the crisis but was overwhelmed by sustained shooting from Utolo axis.

As a result of the clashes, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe visited the area where he ordered the Commander, Nkwoagu Military Cantonment, Lieutenant Colonel Sa’id Sadiq to clear the community and the Highway, of the attackers who were shooting as at the time of his visit.

The Deputy Governor also met with Security Chiefs to find lasting solutions to the crisis.

AMECHI ODO

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