In Ebonyi State, suspected warlords have destroyed a government-owned excavator deployed to support the boundary demarcation between the communities of Ishinkwor and Abaomege in Onicha Local Government Area. The excavator, part of the state government’s initiative to resolve a decades-long territorial dispute over fertile land, was set ablaze amid ongoing tensions.
Prince Ikechukwu Ogbofia, chairman of Onicha local government, condemned the attack as a deliberate attempt to sabotage peace efforts. Speaking through the local government’s Public Relations Officer, Omekanaya Orogwu, he assured that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted. He emphasized that the state and local governments remain resolute in completing the demarcation process despite these challenges.
The burning occurred roughly one week after threats from one of the disputing communities to destroy any equipment used if the demarcation was not carried out according to their conditions. Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration regards the boundary demarcation as a critical step toward ending the longstanding conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life and property damage.
Officials, including journalists and security personnel, inspected the site shortly after the incident. Plans are underway to strengthen security measures around the disputed area to prevent further disruptions and ensure the demarcation project reaches completion.
