Leaders from Oso-Edda community spoke out against armed groups who kidnapped one of their residents on June 14. The victim was Uduma Idam Chima, and officials blame fighters from nearby Amasiri community for taking him. This attack happened just weeks after the state governor held peace talks between both sides.
Community president Ama Aba Emeh said the kidnapping was especially hurtful because it came after Governor Francis Nwifuru tried to make peace on April 30. Earlier this year, attackers killed six Oso-Edda people during an April 6 raid that also destroyed valuable property. A pregnant woman and her child were among those who died.
The fighting centers around land that both communities claim. Oso-Edda leaders say their ancestors have owned the disputed area for generations. Secretary-General Ama-Oko Chima explained that Amasiri people once worked as farm hands for Oso-Edda families but later started claiming the land belonged to them.
Community officials asked state police and federal security forces to step in before more violence breaks out. They stressed that Oso-Edda residents have stayed peaceful despite repeated attacks. Police spokesman Joshua Ukandu confirmed that officers received reports about the kidnapping and started investigating the case.
Community president Ama Aba Emeh said the kidnapping was especially hurtful because it came after Governor Francis Nwifuru tried to make peace on April 30. Earlier this year, attackers killed six Oso-Edda people during an April 6 raid that also destroyed valuable property. A pregnant woman and her child were among those who died.
The fighting centers around land that both communities claim. Oso-Edda leaders say their ancestors have owned the disputed area for generations. Secretary-General Ama-Oko Chima explained that Amasiri people once worked as farm hands for Oso-Edda families but later started claiming the land belonged to them.
Community officials asked state police and federal security forces to step in before more violence breaks out. They stressed that Oso-Edda residents have stayed peaceful despite repeated attacks. Police spokesman Joshua Ukandu confirmed that officers received reports about the kidnapping and started investigating the case.
