Ebonyi Police Apprehend Government Official and Two Monarchs Following Deadly Community Attack
The Ebonyi State Police Command has made significant arrests in connection with a brutal attack that resulted in multiple fatalities in the state. Security forces have taken into custody the coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre, Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, along with two traditional rulers, following the violent incident that occurred in Okporojo, Edda Local Government Area.
Details of the Violent Incident and Arrests
The attack, which took place over the weekend, led to the tragic beheading of four individuals. This violence stemmed from a longstanding land dispute between residents of Okporojor in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area, and their neighbors from Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area.
In response to the incident, Governor Francis Nwifuru issued a directive to security agencies to apprehend all those responsible for the attack. The police spokesperson for Ebonyi State Command, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrests and identified the traditional rulers as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.
Joint Security Operation and Ongoing Investigation
Ukandu explained that the arrests were made during a coordinated joint security operation involving multiple agencies. "Yes, following the attack, the coordinator of Amasiri, two traditional rulers, and other individuals were arrested during a joint security operation," stated Ukandu. "All suspects are currently in our custody, and investigations are ongoing. The command will not relent until everyone involved is brought to justice."
The police spokesperson further detailed that the operation was conducted by a collaborative force including:
- The Nigeria Police Force
- The Nigerian Army
- The Department of State Services (DSS)
- The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Ukandu also revealed that prior to these recent arrests, security forces had already apprehended ten additional suspects as part of the continuing investigation into the violent attack.
Community Tensions and Security Response
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between neighboring communities in Ebonyi State, particularly concerning land disputes that have persisted over time. The violent nature of the attack, resulting in multiple beheadings, has drawn significant attention from state authorities and security agencies.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has emphasized its commitment to maintaining law and order in the affected communities. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of involvement in the attack and ensure that all perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences for their actions.
