About five farmers from Ali Ugwele Village in Ekoli-Edda community of Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have been reportedly killed by unknown assailants.
The invaders reportedly came from a neighbouring community in Cross River State.
They allegedly attacked and killed the farmers who harvesting cassava from their farmlands.
The sources said the assailants attacked, killed and allegedly ate up the lifeless bodies of their victims as a way to cover up their crime.
The Ebonyi Community and neighbouring Erei village in Biasa LGA of Cross River State are said to have been having disagreement over the control and ownership of the palm plantation which had lasted for some years.
One of the victims of the attack escaped from the farm and alerted the villagers of the development.
Chairman of Afikpo South LGA, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima who expressed sadness over the incident said efforts were on to ensure the security of lives of the people of Ekoli-Edda Community.
He pointed out that he would not fold his arms and allow miscreants unsettle the peace in the affected community.
He said: “On Monday July 12th, 2021. Ekoli Edda people of Afikpo South L.G.A who went to farm at Aliugwelu, Ekoli Edda were attacked by Egbor people with their allies and masters from Enna, in Biase L.G.A of Cross River State.
“One Ama Chukwu, 39-year-old man, was killed and beheaded while harvesting cassava from his farm. Another, Mr. Egor Etta Oji “m” with the son Felix Egor Etta, 11 years old were slaughtered and their body eaten by the Enna barbarians.
“A fourth person Nneka Olughu, who was abducted alongside the afore-mentioned persons was however released after her abductors confirmed that she was from a different community.
“Ekoli Edda people of Afikpo South L.G.A and Egbor, with Urugbam people of Biase L.G.A of Cross River State have been enmeshed in boundary dispute since 2018 over the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) plantation land acquired by the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria”
“The matter which was promptly reported to the National Boundary Commission for adjudication is in advanced stage. It is expected that the Commission will take urgent steps to conclude with the boundary matter and carry out the needed tracing and demarcation which will bring permanent peace in the area.”
Mr Uduma called for calm on the part of the people of Afikpo South L.G.A, especially as the Council Chairman of Biase L.G.A of Cross River State has reportedly expressed sadness over the incidence and called on the people to give peace a chance.
Also, the Commissioner for Internal Security Security, Border Peace, Stanley Okoro-Emegha described the situation as unfortunate.
He noted that as a result of the recent attack on Ali Ugwele village in Ekoli-Edda Community of Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State, 5 persons are currently missing, one killed while one has returned home to his people.
He noted that Ebonyi State Government have been doing its best to ensure peace among both sides of the divide.
He blamed Cross River Government for being lackadaisical in the handling of the situation even as he explained that Ebonyi State Government would write to the General Officer Commanding, GOC 82 Div. for the permanent deployment of soldiers to the affected Communities of Ebonyi and Cross River States.
“What we intend to do now is to write to the GOC of 82 Army Division, Enugu for deployment of soldiers to the area.
