By Kenneth Onuoha
365Daily – Five farmers from Ali Ugwele village in Ekoli-Edda community of Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have been reportedly killed by assailants allegedly from a neighbouring community in Cross River State.
Sources in the area said the farmers were harvesting cassava when they were attacked and killed.
The village and neighbouring Erei village in Biasa LGA of Cross River State have been at loggerheads over control and ownership of the palm tree plantation for some years.
There had been relative peace between both sides until the recent attack.
It was gathered that one of the attacked villagers escaped and gave insights into the ugly development.
Chairman of Afikpo South LGA, Dr. Eni Chima, who expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, noted that efforts were on to protect Ekoli-Edda community.
He pointed out he would not fold his arms and allow miscreants unsettle the peace in the affected community.
Commenting on the incident, the Commissioner for Internal Security Security and Border Peace, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, described the situation as unfortunate.
When contacted, the Ebonyi Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Loveth Odah, didn’t confirm the incident but promised to call back when confirmed.
There was no feedback as at the time of filing this report.