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Commissioner bemoans killings, destruction
From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
A truck driver has been shot dead by suspected warlords on the Ishiagu/Okigwe expressway.
The expressway has suddenly become a nightmare due to the intractable war between the people of Umuobor, Akaeze, and their neighbours, Ogwor, Ishiagu, both in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The two communities have been at war for over five decades over a fertile piece of land, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Last month, about six persons were killed by suspected warlords. The warlords have continued to block the Ishiagu/Okigwe expressway, attacking and maiming motorists and other road users.
At the weekend, a truck driver from Imo State was killed on the Ayaragu axis of the expressway.
Messages about the driver’s killing have been circulating on social media. One of them, seen by Daily Sun, read:
“There is inter-communal war between Akaeze and Ayaragu over a land dispute.
“A truck driver from Imo State was killed along that road today. Truck drivers from Imo State are threatening to block Okigwe roads against vehicles coming in and going out of Ebonyi State.
“Please spread this message to people and different platforms to inform the people of Ebonyi to avoid a story that touches the heart. It’s a security challenge. So be aware in case you are following that side.”
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said he was not aware of the incident. He stated that he would contact the Ivo Police Division for details and promised to get back to Daily Sun, which he did not do.
Meanwhile, the state government has called on the warring communities to cease hostilities and embrace peace.
The Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Donatus Ilang, made this call during a fact-finding trip to the disputed zone to verify the submissions made to the Ministry by both parties regarding the land.
He expressed disappointment at the absence of Umuobor stakeholders, who claimed they were not informed about the fact-finding mission despite the invitation allegedly sent through the committee set up by the two communities to ensure lasting peace.
The Commissioner condemned the destruction of lives and property in the protracted conflict, accusing the communities of taking the law into their hands, which he said would attract capital punishment for any culprits found guilty.