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In the aftermath of Monday’s deadly clash between Ikolo and Aku communities in Enugu State‘s Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, the people of Ikolo are issuing a distress call to governments at all levels to intervene and restore peace.
The community’s emotional appeal comes as they mourn the loss of loved ones and fear for their safety in the face of escalating tensions with their neighbors.
Setting the record straight, Chief Jude Okike Odo, President General of Ikolo community, vehemently denied media allegations that his community launched a deadly attack on neighboring Aku community, resulting in casualties. In a press briefing, Odo described the reports as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to distort the truth.”
According to Odo, “The attention of Ikolo Elders’ Forum and Ikolo General Assembly has been drawn to the invasion of Ikolo community by the youths from Aku community. It is very unfortunate. Ikolo community is a law-abiding community.”
According to Chief Jude Okike Odo, the longstanding land dispute between Ikolo and Aku communities is the underlying cause of the recent tensions. Notably, the state government had previously pledged to mediate the issue, offering a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution.
Chief Odo lamented that the state government’s lack of urgency in addressing the land dispute has resulted in unnecessary loss of life within his community, emphasizing that prompt action could have prevented the tragic outcome.
He said, “There was an allegation against one Chibueze Anidobi, a herbalist from Ikolo, by some people from Aku.
“It was alleged that three persons from Aku, who claimed to have gone to Chibueze’s house to get medicine to treat their sick relative, could not be found since August 2, 2024 after their trip to his house.
“It was reported to Ogbede Police Station, and Anidobi was detained. To exonerate himself from the police, the herbalist paid N300, 000 to Ogbede Police Station to track the phone numbers of the missing persons.
“While the tracking was ongoing, some youths from Aku invaded Ogbede Police Station, insisting that Chibueze must be released to them.
“The police refused. Aku people, while returning, invaded Ikolo, killing one Mmesoma Omeke, who was at her uncle’s house. She was shot and killed.
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“The matter was reported to the commissioner of police by HRH Igwe Gabriel Ezugwu.
“The divisional police officer, when contacted, told us that he sent some men, but they were waiting for reinforcement because of the crowd.”
On how the matter degenerated, the PG said, “We have been calling on the state government to come because land dispute is causing the problem.
“The deputy governor intervened, but they are yet to come to demarcate the land as they promised. This killing is getting too much. Our lives are in danger.
“On March 25th of this year, one Felix Odo, from Ikolo, was killed by the same group. On May 18, Maduabuchi Ude was shot and killed at Amete. Amaka Ezugwu was shot and currently receiving treatment.
“The state should rescue us. Aku people are larger than we are. They want to extinct us. They should come before it is too late.”
Chief Odo vehemently denied that Ikolo community had ever been the aggressor in the conflict, emphasizing that the two communities had enjoyed a peaceful coexistence, marked by inter-marriage and social harmony, until the land dispute sparked tensions.
“It is unfortunate on how Aku youths and leaders of thought couldn’t wait for the police to finish their investigation and rather resort to killing of Ikolo people.
“The reasons are simple, they are more than us in number, wealth and influence. We need to be protected, otherwise the Ikolo we know today, shall be seen no more,” he added
