By Gabriel Ewepu

The Ezere Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State has appealed to Governor Peter Mbah and the Inspector‑General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order a thorough investigation into the death of a community member, Friday Okoro, and the wider tensions surrounding a land dispute with neighbouring Nkwe Community.

At a press briefing, community representatives said the incident occurred on January 4, 2025, at the premises of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, which Ezere indigenes regard as historically linked to their community. They reported that Okoro died following the incident, while three others sustained injuries.

The community noted that the dispute has escalated over time, with disagreements linked to land ownership around the church and the Nkwe‑Ezere Central School. They expressed concern about rising insecurity, alleged encroachment on ancestral land, and the need for government intervention to prevent further violence.

Community leaders also raised questions about the medical report on Okoro’s death, pointing out discrepancies between initial accounts and the final autopsy findings. They urged the Nigerian Medical Association to review the matter to ensure professional standards were upheld.

Pastor Ejimofor Ephraim Nze, speaking on behalf of the community, maintained that the disputed land had been used by Ezere families for decades. He added that previous attempts to site a school project on the land were resisted by elders, leading to its relocation.

The Ezere Community further alleged that suspects arrested in connection with the incident were released without prosecution, despite reports of recovered firearms. They called on the Inspector‑General of Police to ensure due process and accountability in the handling of the case.

In their appeal, the community urged the Enugu State Government to step in and mediate the dispute, stressing that the protection of lives, property, and cultural heritage must remain a priority.

Efforts to reach representatives of Nkwe Community for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.