The Ebonyi state police command says it has arrested Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, coordinator of the Amasiri development centre in Afikpo, alongside two traditional rulers, in connection with the killing of four persons in Edda LGA of the state.
Joshua Ukandu, spokesperson of the command, identified the arrested monarchs as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.
Ukandu explained that the arrests were carried out during a joint operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He added that 10 other suspects had earlier been taken into custody as investigations into the incident continue.
“Yes, following the attack, the coordinator of Amasiri, two traditional rulers and other individuals were arrested during a joint security operation,” NAN quoted Ukandu as saying.
“All suspects are currently in our custody, and investigations are ongoing. The command will not relent until everyone involved is brought to justice.”
The killings are believed to be linked to a long-running land dispute between residents of Okporojor in Oso Edda community, Edda LGA, and their neighbours from Amasiri in Afikpo LGA.
The dispute reportedly escalated on January 29, when suspected armed attackers invaded Okporojor village, killing four residents and setting houses and property ablaze. Three of the victims were said to have been beheaded.
In the aftermath of the incident, Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi, dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan in Afikpo LGA.
The governor reportedly announced the dissolution on Sunday during a visit to Okporojor village in the Oso Edda community.
Earlier, a traditional ruler in the area had called for swift government intervention, urging security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the violence.