Police Arrest Local Coordinator, Two Traditional Rulers Over Ebonyi Killings

Police in Ebonyi State have arrested the Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area, Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, and two traditional rulers in connection with a recent violent attack in Okporojo community, Edda LGA.

The incident, which occurred on January 29, left four persons dead, with three reportedly beheaded. The attack is linked to a long-standing land dispute between residents of Okporojo village in Edda LGA and their neighbours from Amasiri in Afikpo LGA.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. He identified the detained traditional rulers as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.

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

He explained that the operation was conducted jointly by the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. According to him, a total of 10 suspects are now in custody as investigations continue.

The attack also resulted in the destruction of houses and other property in Okporojo village.

In response to the crisis, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan during a visit to the affected community on Sunday.

The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice, stating, “The command will not relent until everyone involved is brought to justice.”

Local traditional leaders had earlier appealed for government intervention and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the violence.