Police apprehend two traditional rulers, govt official over Ebonyi community attack

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, coordinator of the Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo, along with two traditional rulers, in connection with the murder of four people in Edda Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu identified the traditional rulers as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia. He said the arrests were made following a joint operation involving the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The police spokesperson said 10 other suspects had earlier been arrested as investigations continue.

“Yes, following the attack, the coordinator of Amasiri, two traditional rulers and other individuals were arrested during a joint security operation,” NAN quoted Ukandu as saying.

“All suspects are currently in our custody, and investigations are ongoing. The command will not relent until everyone involved is brought to justice.”

There has been a long-standing land dispute between the people of Okporojor in Oso Edda community, Edda LGA, and their neighbours from Amasiri in Afikpo LGA.

The dispute reportedly escalated on January 29, when suspected armed persons attacked Okporojor village, killing four residents and destroying houses and property. Three of those killed were reportedly beheaded.

Following the killings, Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi, dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan in Afikpo LGA.

Nwifuru sacked the officials on Sunday during a visit to Okporojo village in the Oso Edda community.

A traditional leader in the community had called for immediate government intervention, urging that those responsible for the violence be apprehended.

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