From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
Ngwogwo Community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has petitioned Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru over an alleged unprovoked attack on women from the community by persons from Mpu Community, Aninri LGA, Enugu State, over a protracted land dispute.
The seven-page petition dated June 17, 2026, and was signed by Roy O. U. Nwaeze (SAN), on behalf of the Ngwogwo Community Development Union, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, when some women were assaulted on their farms on the disputed land.
“According to our clients, six women were physically assaulted during the attack. Two of the victims sustained serious degrees of bodily injuries, requiring hospitalisation, while the remaining victims suffered varying injuries,” the petition stated.
It added that food items, farming implements, and other belongings of the victims were allegedly taken away.
The community described the attack as “entirely unprovoked” and part of a “recurring pattern of intimidation, harassment, and interference” with its occupation of the land by Mpu people.
It said despite the provocations, it has consistently discouraged her people against any form of reprisal or self help, as it chose to “place their confidence in the Government of Ebonyi State and other constituted authorities.”
Ngwogwo said the dispute has “assumed serious security, public order, and inter-state dimensions” capable of threatening peace between citizens of both states if not addressed.
The community urged Nwifuru to direct the Ebonyi State Boundary Committee to investigate the dispute, liaise with Enugu State to set up a Joint Inter-State Boundary Verification and Fact-Finding Committee, and compile historical records and order an on-the-spot inspection.
It also asked Nwifuru to direct the Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, and other security agencies to investigate the June 12 attack; convene an emergency stakeholders’ meeting; provide immediate security for Ngwogwo farmers pending resolution; and ensure a permanent, legally recognised demarcation.
“We remain firmly committed to peace, lawful dispute resolution, and harmonious coexistence,” the letter said, noting that a similar appeal was made to the Deputy Governor’s Office on June 15, 2025, but the matter remains unresolved.
The community warned that without urgent action, the situation “may degenerate into a wider communal conflict capable of threatening peace, security, economic activities, and inter-state relations.”