The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed abduction of one person following protracted communal war between the people of Amasiri, in Afikpo Local Government Area and their Oso-Edda in Edda Local Government Area neighbours in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the abduction and noted that the command has launched investigation into the incident.
“We have received the information, and our officers have commenced investigations to uncover the root cause and to prevent further occurrences of such suspected criminal activities in the area,” he said.
The two neighbouring communities have been at war for decades over land with many lives lost and property destroyed.
Uduma Idam Chima was abducted by suspected warlords on June 14, 2025 and has not been seen since then.
Oso-Edda Development Town Union has condemned his abduction, describing it as another provocation to Oso Edda people.
President-General of the union, Ama Aba Emeh, expressed concern over the continued hostility, despite recent peace efforts brokered by Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“We, the people of Oso-Edda in Edda Local Government Area, condemn the recent attack and abduction of our son, Mr. Uduma Idam Chima, by Amasiri warlords. This incident is particularly painful as it occurred shortly after a peace meeting convened by Governor Francis Nwifuru on April 30, 2025,” Emeh stated.
Recounting previous incidents, Emeh recalled that on April 6, 2025, the warlords launched assault that left six Oso-Edda residents dead, including a pregnant woman and her child and destroyed property.
He also referenced a similar occurrence on February 5, 2023, when several Oso-Edda farmers were reportedly abducted while working on their farms.
“This is not the first, second, or even third time such attacks have taken place. We are appealing to the Governor, the Inspector General of Police, and the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police to act swiftly and decisively. We have remained peaceful because Governor Nwifuru is a peace-loving leader,” he added.