The Voice Of The Masses

The Mpu Town Union Association (MTUA) in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State has petitioned Governor Peter Mbah over what it described as the "brutal attack, killing, and continued violent invasion" of Okomigbo Community by persons it alleged were from Ngwogwo Village in Ishiagu Community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

In the petition addressed to the governor, the association alleged that the attack occurred on June 13, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m. at Ekoro farmland in Okomigbo Community, resulting in the death of Mr. Orji Ibe and injuries to several others.

The petition was signed by ENGR. EZEKWE BENJAMIN CHIJIOKE

President General, MTUA, DR. DONATUS ONWUHA ONU

Secretary General, MTUA, HRH, IGWE CYPRAIN U. IJEH, Ogidi 1 of Amaokovia Aut. Community, HRH, IGWE CLETUS I. UDECHUKWU

Igbo II of Okimigbo Aut. Community, CHIEF SIR BRIGHT E. EKWEREMADU

PG, Anekeorji Autonomous Community

Others were, CHIEF JAMES NWABUEZE OKORO, PG, Okomigbo Autonomous Community, HRH, IGWE DAVID E. AJAH, Okwa Anekeorji II of Anekeorji Aut. Community, CHIEF MICHAEL AGU, TPM of Achiorie Aut. Community, SIR MICHAEL OBINNA CHUKWU, PG Amaokovia Autonomous Community, DR. CHIBUIKE UDEH, Acting PG, Achiorie Autonomous

According to the petitioners, "the said attack, which took place at the Ekoro farmland in Okomigbo Mpu, resulted in the gruesome killing of one Late Mr. Orji Ibe, while several other innocent persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and are presently receiving treatment in different hospitals."

The union further alleged that the incident had generated "serious panic, fear, anger and tension among the youths and entire people of Mpu Community."

Quoting accounts it said were provided by survivors, the association alleged that the attackers were armed and targeted natives of Mpu.

According to the petition, "the assailants were heavily armed, masked, and wielding dangerous weapons while shooting sporadically at innocent farmers working on their farms."

The petitioners further claimed that survivors reported that the attackers interrogated farmers before opening fire.

"The survivors further narrated that before the shooting commenced, the attackers were interrogating the farmers, asking them whether they were from Ezza or Mpu. Those who identified themselves as Ezza were asked to run away, while those identified as natives of Mpu were brutally attacked and shot at," the petition stated.

The MTUA maintained that the attack appeared deliberate and organized, stating that "the nature of this attack clearly shows that it was premeditated, coordinated, and deliberately targeted at innocent people of Mpu extraction."

The association also alleged that the latest incident was part of a recurring pattern of violence.

"It is important to state that this is not an isolated incident. The attacks and acts of aggression by Ngwogwo Village against the people of Okomigbo Mpu Community have been ongoing since last year and have continued to pose serious threats to peace, security, and harmonious coexistence in the area," the petition read.

The union acknowledged previous peace efforts, noting that a peace committee had been established by the chairmen of Aninri and Ivo local government areas to investigate the conflict and recommend solutions.

However, the petitioners lamented that "despite these peace efforts, the attacks have persisted and have now escalated to the killing of innocent citizens."

The association also urged the governor to direct security agencies to investigate allegations made by some members of the community regarding the possible involvement of two individuals.

The petition stated: "There are strong suspicions and allegations from members of the affected community that one Chief Joseph Nwite from Ezza Mpu and Mr. Phillip Anyaelu from Ngwogwo Ishiagu are among the suspected masterminds behind this heinous attack."

The union, however, called for a thorough investigation, urging authorities to ensure that "anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law."

Among other requests, the petitioners called for an immediate investigation into the attack, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, deployment of security personnel to the affected area, intensified surveillance, and collaboration between Enugu and Ebonyi State authorities to prevent further violence.

The association warned that the continued attacks, if not addressed, could worsen tensions in the area.

"The brutal murder of Late Mr. Orji Ibe and the injuries inflicted on several others amount to a serious breach of public peace and security and, if not urgently addressed, may trigger further breakdown of law and order and possible reprisal actions capable of destabilizing the entire area," the petition stated.

While appealing for urgent government intervention, the community said it had remained peaceful despite repeated provocations.

"The people of Mpu Community have remained law-abiding and have consistently exercised restraint despite repeated provocations and attacks," the petitioners stated, expressing confidence in Governor Mbah's commitment to justice, peace and security.

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