A violent clash erupted in Mburubu, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairman Mr. Egbo Stephen and several community members escaped a brutal attack. This incident occurred shortly after they gathered at a public primary school to welcome Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as their Igwe-elect, causing a fresh crisis in the community.

Chief Onuokaibe’s claim to the traditional stool has sparked a heated dispute with Chief Linus Igbudu. Trouble ensued hours after the event, with thugs launching a terrorizing assault on villagers. Some victims were reportedly stripped naked and brutally beaten.

In an interview with journalists, Mr. Egbo Stephen, the PDP chairman in Mburubu ward, expressed gratitude for his survival amid the attack. He stated, “I thank God for my life. I was beaten to a stupor by some thugs for attending the presentation of our Igwe-elect, Ozo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe. They warned us earlier but we refused their intimidation and attended the event as we unanimously chose him to lead us.”

According to Stephen, the conflict has roots in Prince Lawrence Ezeh’s alleged imposition of candidates and leaders on the community, including the traditional succession. He accused Ezeh of disregarding the community’s choices and imposing his preferred individuals for various positions, inciting unrest among community members.

When approached for comment, Prince Ezeh denied any involvement in the violence, stating, “I have read a lot of things you people have been writing; I don’t have any reaction. If he said I beat him up, he should tell the police to come and arrest me; I don’t really know what he is talking about.”

The situation in Mburubu calls for urgent intervention from Enugu State authorities to quell the unrest and ensure the safety and well-being of the community members caught in the chieftaincy tussle.