ANAMBRA (Sundiata Post) – Tension is currently brewing in Anambra community over the death of four indigenes of Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka local government area allegedly killed by persons suspected to be from Nawfia community, over land dispute.
Both Enugwu-Enugwu-Ukwu and Nawfia communities are neighbours in Njokoka Local Government Area of Anambra State and have been having a residual issues arising from land dispute.
Reports that the dispute took a dramatic turn on Monday, when some unidentified indigenes of Nawfia allegedly lured some members of Enugwu-Ukwu community through phone call to the disputed land and attacked them, leaving no fewer than four persons dead and others seriously wounded.
The President – General of Enugwu-Ukwu Comunity Development Union (ECDU), Nze Patrick Nworji, described the incident as unwarranted and called for investigation.
“The traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Sir Ralph Ekpe (Igwe Ononamkpume Aguaro), and the President – General of Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU), Nze Patrick Nworji, have expressed shock and disappointment over the unfortunate and cold murder of some members of Isionye village, Enugwu-Ukwu by some persons who allegedly are from neighbouring Nawfia town.
Nworji further disclosed that the community condemned the unprovoked attack on members of Isionye community but thanked God for sparing some of the victims of the gruesome incident.
“The survivors are currently in the hospital where they are receiving treatment. The leadership of the town has expressed concern over the incident but urges the people of Enugwu-Ukwu to remain calm and avoid taking the laws into their hands as the security agencies are on high alert to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“The traditional Ruler has also extended his gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his quick response demonstrated by the personal visit of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to the hospital to commiserate with the survivors and evaluate the situation. He further assured the people that justice would be served in the matter.
Also speaking, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a cabinet member in the community said that the whole town was in shock and mourning over the brutal violence meted out to some of their kinsmen.
“It was in the afternoon of Monday, 9th September 2024, that news went round the community of the killing of some of our brothers.
“It was reported that the men were lured via phone calls to Agu Isionye land belonging to Enugwu-Ukwu and were each executed gangland style.
“Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President-General has already informed the state government.
“The police authorities at Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukofia local government have also been informed. Urgent action is required to avert escalation of the crises”.
Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the killings, saying it would go after those responsible for the attack.
