One person was shot dead in fresh hostilities that erupted in Ezillo, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, last weekend, Deputy Governor and Governor-elect, Chief Dave Umahi said yesterday.
Umahi spoke at a reception for the Governor, Martin Elechi, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House.
He said some Ezza indigenes went to the disputed land, which angered Ezzillo community who in protest blocked the Enugu-Abakaliki express road, causing a gridlock.
“Last Friday, there was report that some Ezza indigenes went to the disputed land to cultivate and reoccupy the area. But when I met with Ezillo people, it was not totally true and then I also had meeting with leaders of Ezza nation on the same subject.
“Security report confirmed that over 70 youths of Ezza went back to reoccupy Ezillo. Ezillo people, in protest and without the permission of their leaders, blocked the Enugu-Abakaliki Express road.
“People started calling, so the military and the police went to clear the road.
“There was a shootout and one Ezza youth was shot dead. Some military personnel also sustained injuries,” Umahi said.
The Deputy Governor said he met with both communities. Each community regretted its actions.
Umahi said the meeting was successful as normalcy had returned to the area.