Business activities came to a standstill at the renowned Okwo-ngbo market in Ngbo community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following reported attacks on Agila traders by local youths. The incident led to widespread panic and chaos, with traders hastily leaving the market, fearing potential reprisals from the Agila community.
Ngbo and Agila, neighboring communities in Ebonyi and Benue States, have a long history of communal clashes spanning over a century, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive property damage. Recently, the two communities purportedly resolved to end hostilities, engaging in peace talks and committing to coexist peacefully and engage in trade without conflict.
As part of the peace agreement, leaders of the Ngbo clan designated a specific area at the Okwo-ngbo market for Agila traders to conduct their legitimate businesses. However, tensions arose approximately two weeks after the accord, leading to reported altercations between the communities.
A reliable source, a member of Ngbo’s leaders council, confirmed to SPRINGNEWS the alleged beating of Agila traders by Ngbo youths. The source assured that the perpetrators would face consequences for their actions, emphasizing that the incident would not reignite hostilities between Ngbo and Agila. The peace agreement, the source affirmed, remains intact, and the entire clan should not be held responsible for the actions of the youths.
Efforts to obtain a response from the chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Odono Ikechukwu, proved unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and text messages were unresponded.
The member representing Ohaukwu, Ebonyi federal constituency in the national assembly, Mr. Eze Nwachukwu, commented on the situation, stating, “It is not all that true Ngbo people did not breach any agreement. It was just a mere quarrel between a few people.” He emphasized that the reported incident did not represent a breach of the peace agreement but rather a dispute involving a small number of individuals.