Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has directed the Nigerian Army and the police to deploy personnel to Isinkwo-Ukawu and Abaomege communities in Onicha Local Government Area of the state to restore law and order in the area.
State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Uchenna Orji, announced the governor’s directive in a statement, saying Umahi was saddened by developments in both communities.
It added that the governor expressed dismay with the youths in the two communities for taking “laws into their hands” and inflicting injuries on the people because over a land dispute.
The statement said, “The state government has henceforth taken over the disputed land effective from June 6, 2020, in line with the laws of the state.
“The governor has directed the state commissioner for lands and survey to immediately acquire the disputed land for the government, in the overriding public interest.”
Umahi further warned both communities to ‘pull out’ completely from the disputed land, saying, “All concerned are to take this matter seriously.”
Recall that recently a similar violence erupted in Izzi over a village chieftaincy tussle, resulting in the razing of over seven houses at Amuzu village in Igbeagu community of Izzi Local Government Area.
During the crisis, the traditional ruler of the town and seven other persons were arrested by the police.