The Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, Wednesday, called on the people of Amata Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of the state not to take laws into their hands by going for reprisal on the shooting of two of their sons by youths from Lokpanta in Abia State.
The people of Amata Ishiagu in Ebonyi State and their neighbouring Lokpanta in Abia State have been in an age-long boundary dispute which has cost lives and property worth millions of naira.
On May 30, 2020, Pius Chika Onyedika, an indigene of Amata Ishiagu, was shot on the head by suspected youths from Lokpanta when he was working on his farm. Another indigene of the community, whose name could not be immediately ascertained, was also shot.
The two are receiving treatment at Ishiagu General Hospital in Ivo LGA.
Gov. Umahi, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, made the call on Tuesday when he visited the area.
He explained that both state governments were working very hard to ensure that the demarcation of the boundary was carried out.
He said, “We are here to sympathise with you on the attack of two of your sons. All we want you to do is to remain peaceful and avoid any form of retaliation. Our government will not allow anything that belongs to you to be taken away from you and given to another person. We are working to ensure that the boundary is demarcated.”
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area, SP Dan Nwonu, told the governor that he had called for reinforcement to curtail breakdown of law and order.
