Police Arrest Government Official, Two Monarchs Over Ebonyi Killings

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the coordinator of the Amasiri Development Centre, Anya Baron-Ogbonnia.

He was arrested along with two traditional rulers, in connection with the recent killings in Okporojo community, Edda Local Government Area.

Four people were killed in the attack, with reports that some of the victims were beheaded.

The police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that the arrested traditional rulers are 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, a Superintendent of Police, said.

“All suspects are currently in our custody, and investigations are ongoing. The command will not relent until everyone involved is brought to justice.”

Ukandu said the arrests were made during a joint security operation between the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He added that all those arrested are currently in custody, while investigations are still ongoing.

According to him, security agencies had earlier arrested 10 suspects as efforts continue to identify and apprehend everyone linked to the violence.

The deadly attack is believed to be connected to a long-running land dispute between Okporojo village in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area, and Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area.

KanyiDaily had reported that the crisis escalated on January 29 when armed attackers invaded Okporojo village, killing four residents and destroying homes and other property.