The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area, Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, alongside two traditional rulers, in connection with the recent deadly attack in Okporojo community, Edda Local Government Area of the state.
Four persons were killed during the attack, with three reportedly beheaded. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, identified the arrested traditional rulers as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.
Ukandu confirmed that the arrests were made during a joint security operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services(DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC). He said all suspects were currently in custody, while investigations were ongoing.
According to him, the command had earlier arrested 10 suspects linked to the violence and would ensure that everyone involved in the killings was brought to justice.
The attack was linked to a long-standing land dispute between the people of Okporojo in Oso Edda community, Edda LGA, and their neighbours from Amasiri in Afikpo LGA. Tensions reportedly escalated on January 29 when suspected armed men invaded Okporojo village, killing four residents and setting houses and other property ablaze.
Following the incident, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan in Afikpo LGA. The governor announced the decision on Sunday during a visit to the affected Okporojo community.
The development came after community leaders appealed for urgent government intervention, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
