The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the massacre of ten indigenes of Ebonyi State in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the tragic incident occurred when unknown gunmen stormed a meeting of Ebonyi residents in the area, opened fire, killed ten people, and left others critically injured.
Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Sunday Mbanu, is currently in police custody and is assisting investigators with vital information.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued a statement on Wednesday highlighting the findings of a Joint Security Team led by CP Orutugu.
The team included personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies.
According to CP Orutugu, preliminary investigations suggest that the massacre may have stemmed from a prolonged leadership crisis among Ebonyi State indigenes residing in Anambra.
He emphasized that the attack was not targeted at any ethnic group but was an act of violence committed by what he termed “the common enemies of the state.”
The Commissioner revealed that the meeting where the attack took place was being held by a factional leadership of the Ebonyi community in Ogboji.
He further disclosed that the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes had earlier lodged a petition with the President General (PG) of Ogboji community, bypassing the police or other security authorities.
Efforts had reportedly been underway by community leaders to resolve the conflict through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before the issue spiraled out of control, resulting in the deadly ambush.
During a fact-finding visit to the crime scene, CP Orutugu and his team met with local leaders, including the Traditional Prime Minister, the PG of Ogboji, and the son of the landlord where the fatal meeting took place.
It was revealed that one of the deceased was a tenant in the compound, a detail now forming part of the ongoing investigation.
While offering condolences to the government and people of Ebonyi State, and especially the bereaved families, the police commissioner assured the public that the culprits behind the killings would be apprehended and brought to justice.
The police also paid a courtesy call to the Traditional Ruler of Ekwulobia, as part of their ongoing engagement with stakeholders to maintain peace in the region.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to uncovering the full motives behind the massacre and to ensuring that peace returns to Ogboji and its environs.
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