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POLICE ARREST COORDINATOR, TWO MONARCHS OVER EDDA KILLINGS

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.

FEDERAL LAWMAKER CONDEMNS KILLING OF UNARMED PROTESTERS IN LAMURDE, DEMANDS INVESTIGATION

The Member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing violent conflicts in Lamurde Local Government Area. In a press statement, the lawmaker decried the needless loss of lives and destruction of property, warning that the crises deepen tensions within communities. Laori stated that at a time when the nation is bleeding daily from criminals, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers, the people should not be subjected to another cycle of fear and instability. He specifically condemned the reported killing of unarmed women protesters by personnel of the Nigerian Military in Lamurde LGA. “The accounts relayed by my constituents are distressing, heartbreaking, and utterly unacceptable. The killing of unarmed civilians is inhumane, unjustifiable, and a gross violation of their fundamental human rights,” Laori said. The lawmaker drew a parallel between the recent incident and past abuses. “This tragic incident echoes the painful experiences of Dong, Kodomti, Lawaru, Nzuruwe, and Shaforon communities in 2017, where civilians suffered similar abuses at the hands of security personnel without any credible investigation, prosecution, or compensation,” he noted. He expressed deep concern that years later, communities are again confronted with the same pattern of violations and impunity. Consequently, Laori called for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the extrajudicial killing. “Those found culpable must be identified and held accountable in line with the laws of our country. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done. Our democracy and our shared humanity demand no less,” he asserted. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “Their pain is our collective pain, and I stand with them during this difficult and sorrowful moment,” Laori stated. The federal legislator appealed for calm from the people of Lamurde and neighbouring communities, urging them to avoid actions that could escalate the situation. He also called on all deployed security agencies to exercise maximum restraint, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement. Laori concluded by emphasizing the need for a collective effort. “We must all—community leaders, government, security agencies, and residents—work together to ensure that peace is restored swiftly and that justice is served without delay,” he said. The statement was signed by Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, Member of the House of Representatives for Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency.

CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AGAINST CHRISTIANS, CALLS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over escalating violence and insecurity affecting Christian communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, describing the situation as necessitating clear and compassionate response. President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement issued October 8, 2025, affirmed that Christian communities have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and destruction of places of worship, underscoring the urgent need for decisive government and security agency action to protect all citizens. Archbishop Daniel Okoh emphasized CAN’s tireless efforts to highlight persecution of Christians nationally and internationally, including establishing incident recording mechanisms, engaging international partners like the World Evangelical Alliance, and communicating with the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Okoh reiterated CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and protection of threatened Christian communities. Daniel Okoh stressed that cries for justice are often met with delay or denial, prompting CAN to renew calls for urgent, transparent government action to halt killings, safeguard vulnerable communities, and ensure perpetrators face justice. Daniel Okoh acknowledged government security efforts but urged redoubled action for equitable protection, swift justice for perpetrators, and wisdom among Christian leaders for unity and peace. The CAN president appealed for courage to address collective failures, grieve together, and rebuild community trust as pathways to Nigeria’s healing and genuine peace. “Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities,” Archbishop Daniel Okoh stated in the release. CAN urges government agencies to act decisively against violence, protecting citizens regardless of region, and bringing perpetrators to justice transparently.