Ebonyi Killings: Police arrest 10 suspects over beheading of four persons

The Ebonyi State Police Command has announced the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the killing and beheading of four persons in Okporojọr Village, Oso Edda Community, Edda Local Government Area.

 

According to source, the attack, which occurred on Thursday, was a renewed long standing land dispute between the people of Oso Edda, in Edda LGA and their Amasiri neighbours in Afikpo LGA of Ebonyi State.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that the two neighbouring villages have been at war over farmland for several years.

 

NAN also reports that the latest crises led to the suspected warlords beheading four persons, burnt houses and other valuables property in the village.

 

Speaking on the crisis in the area on Saturday, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, said 10 suspected persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

 

She said, “This attack, which occurred on January 29, had caused the death of four persons, three males and one female.

 

“Several mud houses were burnt; windows of a church building damaged; and harvested paddy rice destroyed.”

 

According to the CP, the incident was linked to a long-standing land dispute between Okporojọr Village in Oso Edda Community in Edda LGA and Ndukwe Community in Amasiri, Afikpo LGA.

“Well, upon receipt of the report, we immediately ordered the massive deployment of the command tactical squads to the scene to restore calm and normalcy,” Uche-Anya added.

 

While addressing members of the community, the CP commiserated with the people of Okporojọr Village over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property.

 

Uche-Anya assured them of the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice in the matter.

 

The Commissioner pointed out that investigations were ongoing and that the Command would not relent until all those involved are brought to justice.

 

Uche-Anya further assured the community that the security deployment already in place would be sustained until the situation is fully resolved.

 

She appealed to people resorting to self-help and taking the law into their hands to desist from such actions.

 

In his remarks, the Chairman of Edda LGA, Chima Ekumankama appreciated the State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for their swift intervention in the crisis.