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 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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