Author: Gist Correspondent

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing and beheading of four persons following a renewed boundary dispute in Okporojor Village, Oso Edda Community, Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The violent incident, which occurred on Thursday, was linked to a long-standing land dispute between the people of Oso Edda in Edda LGA and their neighbours from Amasiri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area. The two communities have been embroiled in protracted clashes over farmland ownership for several years.

Investigations revealed that the latest outbreak of violence led to the beheading of four persons, including three males and one female. Several houses were also set ablaze, while other properties, including harvested paddy rice and parts of a church building, were destroyed.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs Adaku Uche-Anya, disclosed this on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected community. She said the attack, which occurred on January 29, prompted the immediate arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the killings and destruction.

According to the police commissioner, the incident was traced to a boundary and land dispute between Okporojor Village in Oso Edda Community, Edda LGA, and Ndukwe Community in Amasiri, Afikpo LGA.

She explained that upon receiving reports of the violence, the command swiftly deployed tactical squads to the area to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Uche-Anya commiserated with the people of Okporojor Village over the loss of lives and destruction of property, assuring them that the police would ensure justice for the victims.

She stressed that investigations were ongoing and vowed that all those involved in the attack would be arrested and prosecuted. The commissioner also assured residents that security presence in the area would be sustained until lasting peace is restored.

The CP warned against resorting to self-help, urging residents to allow security agencies and relevant authorities to handle the matter in line with the law.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Mr Chima Ekumankama, commended the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for their swift response and intervention in the crisis.