The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect, identified as Sunday Mbanu, in connection with the brutal killing of ten Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area, which occurred on Monday evening.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists in Awk, the state capital, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, confirmed the arrest during a visit to the crime scene on Wednesday, where he led a Joint Security Team comprising officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies.
The suspect is currently assisting law enforcement authorities with their investigation.
CP Orutugu emphasised that the attack was not targeted at any particular group but is rather the act of common enemies seeking to destabilize the state.
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During discussions with community stakeholders—including the Traditional Prime Minister, the President General of Ogboji Community, and the landlord’s son at the crime scene—several key details emerged:
- There is an ongoing leadership dispute within the Association of Ebonyi State indigenes residing in the area.
- The fatal incident occurred during a meeting convened by a factional leader of the Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji.
- The association had previously submitted a petition to the Ogboji President General without involving security agencies.
- Efforts by the President General to resolve the conflict through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) escalated tensions, culminating in the tragic killings.
- The landlord’s son confirmed that one of the victims was a tenant in their compound and provided crucial information now under investigation by the security team.
The Joint Security Team extends condolences to the people of Ebonyi State, particularly the families and friends of the deceased, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
The police team also paid a courtesy visit to the Traditional Ruler of Ekwulobia during their operation.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime face justice.