Seven farmers killed in Ebonyi community attack -

12/12/ 2024

The residents of Akaeze in the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are grieving the tragic loss of their loved ones, who were reportedly attacked and killed by unidentified assailants.

Newsmen learnt from multiple sources, including residents, videos, and photos on Wednesday, that a significant number of the victims were farmers who were reportedly ambushed on their farmlands on Monday.

Short videos and photos shared with Newsmen by residents of Akaeze revealed at least five individuals lying lifeless on the ground, their bodies and clothing drenched in blood. One of the casualties was seen being placed on a motorcycle, with a nearly severed neck bearing a deep gash.

Although the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, residents told Newsmen on Wednesday that at least seven farmers were killed in what is believed to be a renewed longstanding land dispute between Akaeze and Umuogwor communities, both in the Ivo LGA.

In an interview with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, a resident of Akaeze identified as Okoro David described Monday’s killings as “callous and senseless,” claiming they were part of a series of attacks targeting farmers from Akaeze.

“This senseless killing of Akaeze people is both troubling and heartbreaking. It isn’t kind to take innocent lives in such a manner. These attacks have been ongoing for over five months now. On Monday, at least seven people were brutally murdered while working on their farmlands, and even now, their bodies are still being recovered.

“Some of the bodies of farmers who lost their lives have been recovered and taken to the morgue. We appeal to the governor and security agencies to intervene and rescue the Akaeze community from these senseless killings.

“We are still searching for some of our people. They only went to the farm to harvest their yam and rice when attacked. We desperately need help. This issue has persisted for a long time. Instead of seeking redress through the courts, the community has resorted to violence, killing innocent people day after day.”

In a separate interview with Newsmen, another resident, identified simply as Omezuo, stated that farmers from Akaeze could no longer carry out their work without facing attacks and killings.

Omezuo said, “Since May, our people have been relentlessly driven off the land. We have pleaded with the local government authorities for help, but nothing has been done. These attackers assault our women, and when they encounter men, they attack them with weapons.

“We can no longer farm during the day. Now, we work in the fields in the middle of the night, between 2 am and 3 a.m., out of fear of being attacked and killed. Our men were initially driven off their land, and by the second day, all their harvest had disappeared.”

The spokesperson for the state police command, Joshua Ukandu, was unable to provide immediate details of the incident when contacted by our correspondent on Wednesday.

However, he assured him that he would share the information with Newsmen at a later time.

“Although there are incidents around that area, I don’t have the details. If you can call later, then I can confirm what we currently have,” Ukandu stated.

Newsmen reports that Ebonyi State remains one of the states battling with border and communal clashes in the country in recent times.

A similar attack related to a land dispute resulted in at least two fatalities during a clash between the Umuogwor and Akaeze communities in November 2024.