Police nab 10 suspects after deadly communal clash in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of four persons during a violent clash in Okporojọr Village, Oso Edda Community, in Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The incident, which occurred on January 29, is believed to be linked to a long-running land dispute between residents of Oso Edda in Edda LGA and neighbouring Amasiri communities in Afikpo LGA.

The two communities have reportedly clashed over farmland ownership for several years.

Police said the latest confrontation resulted in the deaths of four people—three men and one woman—while several mud houses were set ablaze, parts of a church building were damaged, and harvested farm produce was destroyed.

During an assessment visit to the affected area on Saturday, the Commissioner of Police, Mrs Adaku Uche-Anya, confirmed the arrests and said security operatives were swiftly deployed to restore calm.

“Upon receiving the report, we immediately ordered the massive deployment of tactical squads to the scene to ensure normalcy,” she said, adding that investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow.

The police chief condoled with residents over the loss of lives and property and assured them that those responsible would be brought to justice.

She also said security personnel would remain in the area to prevent further violence and urged community members not to take the law into their own hands.

The Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Mr Chima Ekumankama, commended the state government and the police for their prompt response to the crisis.

Authorities say efforts are underway to sustain peace and prevent a recurrence of violence between the neighbouring communities.