The Ebonyi State Police Command says four persons lost their lives, including three who were beheaded, following a violent communal clash in Edda local government area of the state.
Joshua Ukandu, the Ebonyi State police spokesperson, confirmed the incident on Saturday.
Ukandu said the violence broke out on January 29 after an attack on Okporojọr village in Oso Edda community, allegedly carried out by individuals from Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo local government area.
He disclosed that three victims were beheaded during the assault, while a fourth person later died in hospital from injuries sustained in the clash.
According to him, several mud houses were set ablaze, windows of a church building were vandalised, and harvested paddy rice was destroyed during the attack.
The police spokesperson linked the violence to a long-standing land dispute between Okporojọr 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.”
Ukandu said Adaku Uche-Anya, commissioner of police, sympathised with residents of Okporojọr village over the deaths and destruction during a visit to the community.
“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,” he said.
“She emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that the command will not relent until all those involved are brought to justice.”
Ukandu said the police commissioner also assured the community that security deployment would be sustained and cautioned residents against resorting to self-help.
Reacting to the incident, Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi State, condemned the killings in a statement issued by Monday Uzor, his chief press secretary.
The governor directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, describing the attack 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,” Nwifuru 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 closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure all perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
“I appeal to the affected community not to engage in reprisals,” he said.
“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 bereaved families of government support and urged communities across the state to embrace peaceful coexistence.
“No development will thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction,” he said.
