Land dispute turns deadly as two killed, others injured in Anambra

Two individuals were fatally shot, and several others wounded, when armed men attacked Okpuno-Okochi in Okpuno Village, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The violent clash, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly stemmed from a dispute over land ownership between original landowners and a suspected group of land grabbers, PUNCH Metro has learned.

Following the attack, frustrated youths from the community retaliated by targeting the families believed to be responsible, resulting in further unrest and property damage.

At a hospital briefing on Thursday, Nze Ekene Obiora, Chairman of the Osonari Family, explained that the contested area forms part of their ancestral land, referred to as “Osonari Family Land.”

Obiora stated, “The land is traditionally reserved for residential use by adult male family members. Portions are assigned upon request for home construction, and several members have already been allocated specific plots.

“The conflict erupted when unfamiliar individuals began erecting fences and farming on a section of land already designated to family members. When we reached out to those assigned the land, they denied any knowledge of these new occupants.

“On Tuesday morning, armed men wielding pump-action guns arrived in an unmarked black Toyota Corolla while some family members were conducting routine checks. They launched a violent attack before fleeing the scene.”

Confirming the incident on Thursday, Anambra State Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga reported that two people were killed and five suspects arrested in connection with the attack.

“The police recovered one automatic pump-action gun and currently have five suspects in custody. These individuals are being interrogated regarding the murder and serious injuries sustained during the land dispute at Okochi-Ime Village in Okpuno,” Ikenga said.

He added, “The attack took place on June 3, 2025, with armed assailants arriving in an unmarked black Toyota Corolla, assaulting the victims before escaping.

“The deceased have been taken to the morgue, while the injured are receiving medical treatment.

“In response, the Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a thorough investigation.

“Additional measures have also been put in place to apprehend other suspects who are still at large. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”