By Charles Nwoke
A violent leadership crisis has rocked Ndiagu Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving one person dead, two injured, and many others missing.
Gunmen attacked Nwoyika Ugbaloke and Thomas Ngaragu during the unrest. Ugbaloke died from the attack, while Ngaragu and another victim are receiving medical treatment. Residents say several people remain missing after the violence.
The crisis reportedly began after a faction in the community imposed an N40,000 levy on all adults in Nduche Umuomara. The decision sparked outrage among another group opposed to the levy. Tensions escalated further when the same faction allegedly started selling lands belonging to their opponents.
Nwoyika Kingsley Emeka, son of the deceased, condemned the killing and demanded justice. He alleged that the attackers, who move freely around the community, are sealing farmlands with palm fronds and warning owners not to return unless they pay fines.
Emeka also accused a former political officeholder in the area of sponsoring the violence. He called on Governor Francis Nwifuru and the state Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, to intervene and stop the attackers from threatening more lives.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said he had not received any report about the incident.
