Violence erupted in Ndieguzu Agalegu Omege Community, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving one person dead and at least ten houses completely destroyed by fire.
According to reports, the incident followed a confrontation between residents of Omege Agalagu and Ukwuinyima.
The cause of the dispute remains unclear, but sources suggest the violence may be linked to a previous altercation in November 2024, which occurred during the funeral of a woman allegedly raped and murdered.
A source revealed that over 10 houses were burned, and properties worth millions of naira were lost.
Residents are calling for government intervention to address the ongoing tensions.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed the fatality, explaining that the altercation began between two youths from the rival communities, during which one from Omege was fatally stabbed.
He later died in the hospital, which prompted members of his community to retaliate by setting fire to several houses.
Ukandu noted that the police intervened quickly to prevent further violence, and the situation is now under control.
The officer added that investigations were underway and the suspect who stabbed the deceased has been arrested.
Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Information, Jude Chikadibia Okpor, addressed the situation, confirming the state’s awareness of the incident and efforts to manage the crisis.
He described the incident as the result of a misunderstanding between the two youths, which escalated into violence but assured the public that the situation was now under control.
