The people of Umuanigbiyovo Oyiwode, Akpawfu, in the Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State conducted a mass burial for eight members of the community on Sunday.

Those buried were killed in a communal clash within the community, which began in April 2023.

There was a heavy presence of security operatives when the burial ceremonies went underway.

A community member told journalists that trouble started when one of the community leaders constituted and armed a vigilance group that went out to attack another section of the community.

He said more than 15 houses had been burnt in the community since the crisis started.

Addressing journalists after the burial, James Ogbu, the Igwe-elect of the Isiagu autonomous community, Akpawfu, confirmed the narrative and said the initial rumour that herdsmen were responsible for the murders was untrue.

“It was not herdsmen that killed us, but Akpawfu people killed their kinsmen.

“We decided to conduct the mass burial of those whose bodies could be retrieved, as other people are still missing.

“The state government has been aware of the issue since the crisis began, and that explains the presence of security operatives at the mass burial; otherwise, another attack would have taken place,’’ he said.

A bereaved member of the community resident outside Nigeria said his house was razed, while his mother and brother were kidnapped but were later released.

“In April 2023, when the crisis began, community members fled from their homes, and this place became a ghost town. Today, the place is being populated again as there is seeming peace,’’ he said.

Philip Arum of the Methodist Church, Nnewi Diocese, who conducted the funeral service, said the eight people buried sacrificed their lives for the betterment of the community, describing them as heroes of Akpawfu.

“This is my first time conducting a mass funeral service for people in my community. This is a terrible condition that has never happened before in our community,’’ he said.

(NAN)