Mpu Community Petitions Gov. Mbah Over Farmer’s Killing, Alleged Invasion by Ebonyi Villagers

The Mpu Town Union Association (MTUA) in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State has petitioned Governor Peter Mbah over the alleged killing of a farmer and repeated attacks on Okomigbo Community by persons it said were from Ngwogwo Village in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

In a petition signed by community leaders, the MTUA described the June 13, 2026 incident as a “brutal attack, killing, and continued violent invasion” of Okomigbo by armed men from Ngwogwo.

*Farmer Killed at Ekoro Farmland*

According to the petition, the attack occurred on Friday, June 13, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m. at Ekoro farmland in Okomigbo Community. The assailants allegedly killed Mr. Orji Ibe and injured several other farmers who were working on their farms.

“The said attack 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 petition stated.

The union said the incident has created “serious panic, fear, anger and tension” among youths and residents of Mpu.

*Allegations of Targeted Attack*

Quoting survivors, the association alleged that the attackers were heavily armed, masked, and fired shots indiscriminately. Survivors reportedly said the attackers interrogated farmers before shooting, asking if they were from Ezza or Mpu. Those who identified as Ezza were allegedly told to flee, while those identified as Mpu natives were attacked.

“The nature of this attack clearly shows that it was premeditated, coordinated, and deliberately targeted at innocent people of Mpu extraction,” the petitioners said.

*Pattern of Violence Alleged*

MTUA said the killing was not an isolated case. The association claimed attacks and aggression by Ngwogwo Village against Okomigbo Mpu have been ongoing since last year, threatening peace and coexistence in the border area.

The union acknowledged that chairmen of Aninri and Ivo LGAs had set up a peace committee to investigate the conflict and recommend solutions. However, it lamented that attacks have persisted despite the peace efforts, escalating to the killing of a citizen.

*Allegations of Masterminds, Requests for Intervention*

The petitioners also urged Governor Mbah to direct security agencies to investigate claims that two individuals, Chief Joseph Nwite from Ezza Mpu and Mr. Phillip Anyaelu from Ngwogwo Ishiagu, may be masterminds of the attack. The union stressed that anyone found culpable should face justice.

Among its demands, MTUA asked for: 

1. An immediate investigation into the attack.

2. Arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

3. Deployment of security personnel to Okomigbo and surrounding farms.

4. Intensified surveillance of the border area.

5. Collaboration between Enugu and Ebonyi State governments to prevent further violence.

The association warned that failure to act could worsen tensions and trigger reprisals.

“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,” the petition stated.

*Community Pledges Restraint*

While appealing for urgent intervention, MTUA said Mpu Community has remained law-abiding despite repeated provocations. The petition expressed confidence in Governor Mbah’s commitment to justice, peace, and security.

The petition was signed by Engr. Ezekwe Benjamin Chijioke, President General, MTUA; Dr. Donatus Onwuha Onu, Secretary General, MTUA; Igwe Cyprain U. Ijeh, Ogidi 1 of Amaokovia; Igwe Cletus I. Udechukwu, Igbo II of Okimigbo; Chief Sir Bright E. Ekweremadu, PG, Anekeorji; and other traditional rulers and community leaders.