There is rising tension in Eguho, a community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as alleged threats of violence by a gang have created fear among residents. Over 100 individuals reportedly face threats of attack and possible killing, as local disputes escalate between traditional authorities.
The conflict traces back to a jurisdictional dispute involving the traditional rulers of neighboring communities—HRH Ezeogo Innocent Nworie of Ezekunna and HRH Ezeogo Chinedu Nwankwo of Ezzagu. This disagreement has fueled a power struggle that has left Eguho caught between the two, prompting locals to advocate for autonomous community status. Community leaders have urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to grant Eguho autonomy, noting that the idea was first proposed during former Governor Sam Egwu’s administration.
Stakeholders in the community expressed concern that the ongoing dispute between the two monarchs has created a flashpoint that threatens public peace and could lead to violent escalation. Calls for intervention intensified after voice notes circulated last week in which alleged gang members threatened to unleash deadly attacks on Eguho residents.
A petition submitted by the Youth Leader of the Eguho Development Union, Nwofia Michael Chetachukwu, detailed multiple threats made against the community in both video and audio formats. Chetachukwu, in his statement, expressed fears over his own life and the safety of over 100 residents. He identified the gang responsible for these threats as a “cartel,” with known members from neighboring villages, including “Ugochukwu 911” from Eguho and others from Edemugwu Village in Ezzagu.
The petition read: “I, Nwofia Michael Chetachukwu, the youth leader of Eguho, hereby submit this petition regarding the ongoing threats to my life and the lives of over one hundred (100) individuals from the community of Eguho perpetrated by a gang identified as a cartel. The individuals responsible, whose names and residences are well-known to the people of Eguho, continue to terrorize our community, possibly due to the silence and fear they have instilled in the populace.”
Chetachukwu recalled an incident earlier this year when members of the gang allegedly attacked Eguho, firing shots, invading homes, and looting goods worth millions of Naira, including stealing over 30 phones from a phone-charging shop.
The community has called on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those involved. However, Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated that the command had not yet received any formal petition and therefore could not act on the matter.
The residents of Eguho now await governmental and security intervention to prevent further unrest and ensure community safety amid these growing tensions.
