Boundary dispute claims three persons in Edo communities

• Residents flee Essien Udim council of A’Ibom for fear of killing

No fewer than three persons were reportedly killed in a boundary dispute between Sabongidda-Ora and Uhonmora-Ora in Owan West Council Area of Edo State.

The Guardian learnt that the crisis started on Sunday when some people went to measure land at the boundary between the two communities and on receiving the information, youths of both communities mobilised to the area and fighting ensued.

It was learnt that the development forced schools and businesses to close down due to the communal clash that led to the killing of three persons.

A resident of Sabongida-Ora said: “The crisis started when some people went to measure a land at the boundary between the two communities and they were attacked.

“Motorcycles used in transporting people to the place were destroyed. As I speak, nobody goes to both communities for fear of attack and being killed. So far, three persons have been killed and we can no longer move freely.”

He, however, appealed to the state government to assist the communities to avoid further bloodshed. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kontongs Bello, said he would confirm the report and l brief the press on the incident.

SIMILARLY, residents of Ikot Akpan Community in Essien Udim Council of Akwa Ibom State have have fled to neighbouring Ikot-Ekpene, Abak and Uyo council areas for fear of being caught in a crossfire between hoodlums and the soldiers in the area.

A community leader in Essien Udim Chief Effiong Inyang, lamented the development, which he said, followed the killing and burning of police vehicles and barracks in Essien Udim Council.

It was alleged that those carrying out the mayhem dislodged members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), while fleeing members of the group have invaded, set up their camp and hoisted Biafra flag in Ikot Akpan Community.

One soldier was reportedly killed during exchange of gunfire with officers of Joint Task Force (JTF), which forced the soldiers to retreat.

It was learnt that the incident was the fallout of attack on one Inspector Aniekan, who was killed in the fire the hoodlums had set on his house at Ikot Afanga Community in Essien Udim Council.

A resident said the militia group repelled the JTF operatives and policemen, who were deployed to contain them and tried to attack their camp at Ikot-Akpan Community.

Inyang, who lamented that the palace of the village head was razed, charged the state government to address the security challenge in Essien Udim Council, saying hoodlums had killed two police inspectors, razed a section of the Essien Udim Divisional Police station and burnt several cars, tricycles and motorcycles.