Six Killed In Renewed Abia, Cross River Boundary Clash

At least five individuals reportedly lost their lives between January 4 and 5, 2025, allegedly due to renewed inter-boundary conflicts between the Isu community in the Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and the Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa Eburutu community in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State.

As of Monday morning, the specific reasons that triggered the latest outbreak of violence have not been revealed, although confirmation of the casualties has been made.

Naija News reports that historically, these neighbouring communities have experienced sporadic boundary disputes, resulting in numerous fatalities over the past decade.

According to residents, this marks the second invasion of the Ukwa community in the past six months.

In May 2024, reports indicated that several natives of Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa were killed in a conflict over land believed to contain valuable mineral resources.

Sources from Mbiabong Ukwa, who verified the incidents to Daily Post, narrated that the chaos occurred between Saturday and Sunday and claimed that suspected warlords from the Isu community in Arochukwu LGA initiated the attack on Saturday morning.

A youth leader, Willy Esara, stated, “The assailants descended upon us on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two men and leaving ten others severely injured.”

Another account indicated that the suspected warlords ambushed villagers who were en route to their farms.

“The attackers opened fire on the unsuspecting villagers, killing two men, Abi Effiong Oku and Inyang Nya Ewa, injuring many others. One of the deceased was beheaded,” he alleged.

Naija News understands that the recent assault has plunged the community into a profound state of shock and apprehension, as reported by residents who have fled the area.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Kogi Command, Irene Ugbo, stated that they had not yet received a briefing regarding the most recent conflict but assured that an investigation would be initiated.