03
Feb
Feb
POLICE ARREST COORDINATOR, TWO MONARCHS OVER EDDA KILLINGS
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Caroline Ameh / 24 hours
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- 2 min read
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area, Mr. Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, and two traditional rulers in connection with the killing of four persons in Edda Local Government Area of the state. The arrests were confirmed on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, in a statement issued in Abakaliki. Ukandu said the suspects were arrested during a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The two traditional rulers arrested were identified as Chief Onyaidam Bassey and Chief Godfrey Oko-Obia, both from Amasiri community in Afikpo LGA.According to the police spokesman, the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing investigation. “The Ebonyi State Police Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, is committed to ensuring that all persons connected to this heinous crime are brought to justice,” Ukandu said. He explained that the killings were linked to a longstanding land dispute between Okporojor village in Oso Edda community of Edda LGA and neighbouring Amasiri community in Afikpo LGA. Ukandu alleged that suspected warlords from Amasiri community attacked Okporojor village on January 29, 2026, killing four persons. During the attack, several houses were set ablaze and other properties destroyed. The police command reiterated its commitment to restoring peace in the affected communities and warned individuals and groups against taking the law into their own hands.