The Ebonyi police command says three persons have been beheaded with another dying from injuries sustained during a communal clash in Edda LGA of the state.
Joshua Ukandu, spokesperson of the command, confirmed the incident to TheCable in a phone interview on Saturday.
Ukandu said the violence erupted on January 29 during an attack on Okporojọr village in Oso Edda community — allegedly perpetrated by persons from Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo LGA.
He said three of the victims were beheaded during the attack, while the fourth person later died in a hospital from injuries sustained in the clash.
Ukandu added that several mud houses were burnt, windows of a church building damaged, and harvested paddy rice destroyed during the attack.
The police spokesperson said the incident was linked to a festering land dispute between Okporojor village and Ndukwe community.
“Upon receipt of the report, the commissioner of police immediately ordered the massive deployment of the command tactical squads and PMF unit to the affected area,” he said.
“The deployed personnel have since taken control of the situation and restored calm and normalcy.
“While addressing members of the community, CP Adaku Uche-Anya commiserated with the people of Okporojọr village over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property.
“She assured them of the command’s commitment to ensuring justice and disclosed that ten (10) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
“She emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that the command will not relent until all those involved are brought to justice.
“The CP further assured the community that the security deployment already in place will be sustained until the situation is fully resolved.
“She reiterated her appeal, while visiting local government areas, against resorting to self-help and taking the law into one’s hands.”
GOVERNOR REACTS
Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi, has condemned the incident.
In a statement signed by Monday Uzor, his chief press secretary, on Friday, Nwifuru directed security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The governor described the incident as “barbaric” and a “flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life”.
“I received with shock, news of the recent attack on Oso community which claimed lives and led to destruction of properties,” he said.
“This act of callousness is a direct affront on our commitment to restore peace in our communities and we cannot tolerate it.
“The security of lives and properties is of utmost importance for us as a government and no effort will be spared in getting to the root of this matter.”
Nwifuru said he is working with law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.
“I appeal to the affected community not to engage in reprisals,” he added.
“Law enforcement agents should take swift actions and mobilise fully to the area, to forestall re-occurrence or reprisals.
“My prayers and thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones and properties in the unfortunate incident.”
The governor assured the affected families of government support and urged communities across the state to embrace peace and mutual coexistence.
“No development will thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction,” he said.
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