Ndi-Okorie, Ozu-Abam, Abia State – Several youths have been injured in a violent clash between the Ndi-Okorie and Ozu-Abam communities in Abia State. The clash, which erupted on Tuesday 5th of March, is reportedly linked to a long-standing land dispute between the two communities.
According to eyewitnesses, the trouble started when a group of youths from Ndi-Okorie allegedly invaded a farm belonging to the Ozu-Abam community and carted away their food crops like yam, cassava, and palm. This sparked a confrontation between the two groups, which quickly escalated into a full-blown clash.
“We were working on our farm when they came and started destroying our crops,” said a youth from Ozu-Abam, who asked not to be named. “We tried to stop them, but they were armed with machetes and guns then they opened fire on us.”
The Abia State government has deployed security agencies to the area to restore order. However, the situation remains tense, with both communities accusing each other of provocation.
“We have been living in peace with the Ndi-Okorie people for many years,” said a youth from Ozu-Abam. “But they have been trying to take over our land, and we will not allow it.”
The Ndi-Okorie community has denied these allegations, saying that they are the rightful owners of the disputed land.
“We have historical documents to prove that the land belongs to us,” said an elder from Ozu-Abam. “The Ndi-Okorie people are just trying to steal our land.”
The Abia State government has called for calm and urged both communities to resolve their differences peacefully.
“We condemn the violence that has occurred in these communities,” said a government spokesperson. “We urge both sides to lay down their arms and work together to find a peaceful solution to this dispute.”
Background
The clash between the Ndi-Okorie and Ozu-Abam communities is a reminder of the deep-rooted land disputes that continue to plague many parts of Nigeria. These disputes often lead to violence and bloodshed, and they can have a devastating impact on the lives of those involved.
In this particular case, the dispute has been simmering for many years. In 1989, the Ndi-Okorie community allegedly killed an Ozu-Abam man. In 2024, the Ndi-Okorie community also allegedly killed a student and injured many of the students who were working in their college farmland ; who are strangers not indigenes of Ozu-Abam. These incidents have further fueled tensions between the two communities.
The Abia State government has a responsibility to resolve this dispute peacefully and to prevent further violence. The government should work with both communities to find a solution that is fair and just to all parties involved.
