Four people were reportedly killed on Tuesday in an attack related to a protracted war between the people of Ukawu and Isinkwo, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The land dispute has caused the death of dozens of people over the years. Many houses and other property have also been destroyed on both sides.
The four dead people are said to come from Ukawu.
An Ukawu resident said residents were going to a beach in the area to look for sand when they were ambushed by armed men who shot four of them dead.
The source, who asked not to be identified, said one of those killed was Ujebe Offor, 32, a father of three children whose last child is nine months old.
“I heard that the people of Ukawu went to the beach in a group to look for sand thinking that sitting at home today will not be a problem. But unfortunately for them, the Ishinkwo people had already set up an ambush and upon reaching the beach they opened fire on the Ukawu people.
“I also deduced that the people of Ukawu were taken by surprise when they went to the beach unarmed. They all ran for safety, but upon reaching a rendezvous point they found that four people were missing. Then some testify to having seen when the assailants killed them and took their bodies.
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“I heard that the people of Ukawu have mobilized to Isinkwo to retaliate and also to demand the bodies of those killed. One of the deceased was Ujebe Offor, about 30 years old, married, had 3 children, the last child is about 9 months old,” the source said.
However, PREMIUM TIMES was unable to determine the identity of the attackers.
Police spokesman Loveth Odah said the command has not yet received any information on the matter.
She, however, promised to contact the police division in which communities at war fall to obtain information about the murders.
Local government president Felix Igboke confirmed the incident.
He expressed his disappointment in the incident after the state government made peace between the communities.
Regarding the number of victims, Igboke said that two people, a woman and a truck driver, are missing.
“I am on my way to the location to determine the true situation. The people of the two communities are embarrassing the local government and the state.
“The governor had tried to make peace there. The disputed area has been demarcated. So why do they keep fighting? If you ask them, they will say that it is a fight that started from 1912. But my question is, can’t it end? he said.