One Dies, Scores Injured As Theological College Clash With Abia Community

At least one person reportedly died in a clash between the workers of Jesus Disciples College (Kingdom College) Ozu Abam and Ndi Okorie Abam community founded by Pastor Emmanuel Ukoha.

The incident left more than 34 others critically injured, a number that has not been confirmed by government authorities.

The fight is linked to a land dispute between a community, Ndi Okorie Abam and the theological college.

The land in dispute was allegedly sold to pastor Emmanuel Ukoha by the community’s former king, Eze Ogbuka Abara.

Our reporter gathered that the alleged seller, Eze Ogbuka, has denied being a party to the deal. He has petitioned the community, and pastor Emmanuel before a customary court, Amelu Abam Customary Court, in a bid to clear his name of all wrongdoings.

But the church’s founder declined to honour the court summons.

A youth from the community who pleaded anonymity told THE WHISTLER that the crisis had been going on for almost one year but was never of this magnitude.

He narrated that the fresh hostility began when about 100 students from Jesus Disciples College encroached on the community’s land and resisted the efforts of the youths who tried to caution them.

He said, “So, when our youths retreated, they remobilized and entered the bush again then chased them out, forcing them to return to their school at Ozu Abam.

“Unknown to our people that they have also regrouped and came back to fight us which eventually resulted in many injuries they sustained.

“The land belongs to us. He can’t come from Ozu Abam and cannot be claiming our ancestral land. If anybody sold the land to him, let him come out clear and tell us the person so that everything can be resolved amicably.”

When our reporter visited the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, a representative of the students, Mr Onyeka Michael, alleged that a student died from the clash.

Michael said, “Our people went to the bush to cut palm seed on Tuesday but were chased out of the bush by the village youths.

“I am aware that our priest bought the land from someone from one family in the community but it seems like other families are not happy with the sale of the land and they are making trouble with the boss.

“I don’t know what our boss (Emmanuel) did to them (Ndi Okorie Abam community) to warrant this kind of attack. They have attacked our buildings in the community and took away some many things from there. “

Normalcy has been restored as of the time of filing this report. THE WHISTLER understands that the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon Uchenna Okoro, contacted the army commander in Ozu Abam junction who acted on the matter.

Hon. Okoro confirmed the incident but revealed that he is exploring every legislative means to resolve issues.

The House majority leader assured that he would do everything within his power to find a permanent solution to resolve the matter.