The Anambra State Police Command has traced the recent deadly attack in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area, to an unresolved leadership dispute among members of the Ebonyi community residing in the area.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, made this known during a visit to the affected community, stating that the incident was not ethnically motivated but stemmed from internal rivalry within a local association of Ebonyi State indigenes.
“This was not an attack targeted at any ethnic group. It was a violent fallout of a leadership conflict that had been building within the Ebonyi community here in Ogboji,” the Commissioner said.
The violence, which occurred during a meeting held at a compound reportedly occupied by one of the victims, left 10 people confirmed dead, though local sources allege that up to 19 lives may have been lost. Several others are currently receiving medical care for gunshot wounds.
As part of the investigation, a suspect identified as Sunday Mbanu has been taken into custody and is said to be cooperating with security agencies.
In a press briefing, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, explained that the confrontation broke out during a gathering of opposing factions within the Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the town. According to him, earlier efforts to settle the matter without law enforcement failed.
“Rather than inform the police, the disputing group approached the town’s President General, who attempted to mediate using alternative dispute resolution (ADR),” Ikenga noted. “Unfortunately, the situation escalated beyond control.”
The police also confirmed that testimonies from key witnesses, including a relative of the property owner where the clash occurred, are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
During the visit, the police team also paid a courtesy call to the Traditional Ruler of Ekwulobia, as part of community engagement efforts aimed at restoring calm.
CP Orutugu extended condolences to families affected by the tragedy and assured the public that all individuals responsible will be brought to justice.
“We are committed to ensuring that this case does not go unresolved. Those behind this violence will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
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