The Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene in the recent attack on one of its sons, Mr. Boniface Akwuba, who was shot on his left hand by Akpoha people while working on his farmland. The community is seeking government support to ensure peace and order are restored in the area.

This incident has sparked concerns about escalating tensions between the two communities, highlighting the need for the state government to address underlying issues driving the conflict. A similar incident was reported in April 2025, where six people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a renewed outbreak of violence over a longstanding land dispute between Ndukwe community in Amasiri and Okporojo in Oso, Edda Local Government Area.

The Idima Autonomous Community in Edda LGA had previously raised alarm over constant attacks and killings by suspected warlords from Amasiri. The community’s President General, Comrade Nkama Okoro Agha, condemned the attack and called on Governor Nwifuru to urgently intervene. “We appeal to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to urgently swing into action to stop this attack against our people by ensuring issues lingering on the disputing land are being settled to save the lives and properties of innocent citizens,” Agha stated.

The Ebonyi State Government declared the disputed area a buffer zone in a bid to reduce tensions. Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Engr. Timothy Nwachi, announced the government’s decision, advising residents to stay away from the disputed land. In a related development, activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam petitioned the Chief of Defence Staff, DSS, and CP over military aggression in Amasiri, alleging brutality and unwarranted invasion.

The government must take immediate action to investigate the incident, provide security, and foster dialogue between the Akpoha and Amasiri communities to resolve their differences peacefully and restore peace and stability in the region.