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Ngwogwo Community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has petitioned Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru over an alleged unprovoked attack on its natives by persons from Mpu Community, Aninri LGA, Enugu State, amid a protracted land dispute.
The seven-page petition signed by Roy O. U. Nwaeze, SAN, on behalf of the Ngwogwo Community Development Union, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, when several women were assaulted on their farms on the disputed land.
“According to our Clients, six women were physically assaulted during the attack. Two of the victims sustained serious degrees of bodily injuries requiring hospitalisation while the remaining victims suffered varying injuries,” the petition stated.
It added that food items, farming implements, and other belongings of the victims were allegedly taken away.
The community described the attack as “entirely unprovoked” and part of a “recurring pattern of intimidation, harassment, and interference” with its occupation of the land by Mpu people.
It said despite the provocations, it has consistently discouraged her people against any form of reprisal or self help, as it chose to “place their confidence in the Government of Ebonyi State and other constituted authorities.”
Ngwogwo said the dispute has “assumed serious security, public order, and inter-state dimensions” capable of threatening peace between citizens of both states if not addressed.
According to the petition, the relationship between the two communities dates back several generations. Ngwogwo elders said the ancestors of present-day Mpu were originally settled on land granted to them by Ngwogwo ancestors “pursuant to a peace arrangement and covenant of brotherhood symbolised by the historic Ogbu Tree.”
The community said the Ogbu Tree remains a recognised landmark to both sides. Under that arrangement, the ancestral boundary was marked by two natural features: Otimkpu Stream in Amachara Hamlet and Okpara River in Amaedim Hamlet, both in Ngwogwo.
“Following the creation of States and Local Government Areas, the elders and stakeholders of Ngwogwo Community continued to recognise and maintain the said natural features as the practical and recognised boundary,” the petition stated.
The Community further said it remains the custodians of the traditional sacrificial rites and oath-taking ceremonies associated with the historic covenant of brotherhood between the two communities and that such ceremonies have historically been performed by elders of Ngwogwo Community.
To buttress its claim, Ngwogwo cited a 50-year occupation by Mr. Ude, popularly known as “Ude Nwa Oduma,” who it said has consistently paid ground rent to the Chukwu Chi Ukpai Nnechi family of Amachara. The community said it has documentary evidence of land transactions and receipts of customary ground rents.
The community urged Governor Nwifuru to direct the Ebonyi State Boundary Committee to investigate the dispute; liaise with Enugu State to set up a Joint Inter-State Boundary Verification and Fact-Finding Committee; compile historical records and order an on-the-spot inspection.
It also asked the Governor to direct the Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, and other security agencies to investigate the June 12 attack; convene an emergency stakeholders’ meeting; provide immediate security for Ngwogwo farmers pending resolution; and ensure a permanent, legally recognised demarcation.
“We remain firmly committed to peace, lawful dispute resolution, and harmonious coexistence,” the letter said, noting that a similar appeal was made to the Deputy Governor’s Office on June 15, 2025, but the matter remains unresolved.
The community warned that without urgent action, the situation “may degenerate into a wider communal conflict capable of threatening peace, security, economic activities, and inter-state relations.”
