Ebonyi Community clash: Many feared dead, others abducted

No fewer than five persons were allegedly beheaded, with their heads reportedly taken away by assailants, following a deadly attack on Okporojo Community, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The attack reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon, January 29, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., when unidentified armed men invaded the community, shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze.

A viral video circulating on social media showed houses engulfed in flames, as distressed residents cried out for help and appealed to the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene.

Advertisement

According to local sources, the violence is believed to be linked to a decades-long land dispute between Oso Edda in Edda Local Government Area and Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area.

Both communities reportedly lay claim to ownership of a disputed boundary land, a disagreement that has previously triggered sporadic tensions.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants ambushed the community, causing panic as residents fled for safety.

Advertisement

Several houses were completely razed, while many villagers were allegedly killed or taken away by the attackers

As of the time of filing this report, the Ebonyi State Police Command is said to have Mobilised to the scene of the incident in order to maintain law and order.

Residents have continued to call for immediate deployment of security personnel to prevent further attacks and restore calm to the area.