By Deborah Nnamdi
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the gruesome beheading of a middle-aged man, Dick Nnachi, in Oso-Edda, located in Edda Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, was confirmed on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to NAN, the Oso-Edda and Amasiri communities in neighbouring Afikpo Local Government Area have been embroiled in a longstanding land dispute that has frequently escalated into violence.
Describing the killing as “wicked and inhumane,” DSP Ukandu condemned the act and assured the public that the police had deployed personnel to the affected area to maintain order.
“We are aware of the incident and our men have been deployed to the disputed area,” he said.
“An investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
He further noted that the state government, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, has declared the contested area a buffer zone in a bid to curb further violence.
“My advice to the warring communities is to avoid the areas that have been designated as buffer zones by security agencies and the government,” Ukandu added.
Efforts, he said, are underway to restore peace and prevent further escalation in the region.
