The police said three of the victims were beheaded during the violence, while another person later died from injuries sustained in the attack.
At least four people have been killed following a renewed violent communal clash that broke out in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the state police command has confirmed.
The police said three of the victims were beheaded during the violence, while another person later died from injuries sustained in the attack.
The incident occurred on January 29 in Okporojọr village in the Oso Edda community of the state.
The spokesperson of the command, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development on Saturday, according to TheCable.
According to him, the attack on Okporojọr village was allegedly carried out by persons from the Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area.
Ukandu said that the assault left a trail of destruction, with several mud houses set ablaze, windows of a church building vandalised, and harvested paddy rice destroyed.
He added that three of the victims were beheaded on the spot, while the fourth person succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment in a hospital.
The police spokesperson said preliminary findings linked the violence to a long-standing land dispute between Okporojọr village and the neighbouring Ndukwe community.
“Upon receipt of the report, the commissioner of police immediately ordered the massive deployment of the command tactical squads and PMF unit to the affected area,” Ukandu said.
“The deployed personnel have since taken control of the situation and restored calm and normalcy.”
Ukandu further explained, “While addressing members of the community, CP Adaku Uche-Anya commiserated with the people of Okporojọr village over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property.
“She assured them of the command’s commitment to ensuring justice and disclosed that ten (10) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
“She emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that the command will not relent until all those involved are brought to justice.”
According to him, “The CP further assured the community that the security deployment already in place will be sustained until the situation is fully resolved.
“She reiterated her appeal, while visiting local government areas, against resorting to self-help and taking the law into one’s hands.”
Reacting to the killings, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the governor described the killings as “barbaric” and a “flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life”.
“I received with shock, news of the recent attack on Oso community which claimed lives and led to destruction of properties,” Nwifuru said.
“This act of callousness is a direct affront on our commitment to restore peace in our communities and we cannot tolerate it.
“The security of lives and properties is of utmost importance for us as a government and no effort will be spared in getting to the root of this matter,” the governor added.
The governor said he was working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the violence are arrested and prosecuted.
“I appeal to the affected community not to engage in reprisals,” he said.
“Law enforcement agents should take swift actions and mobilise fully to the area, to forestall re-occurrence or reprisals.
“My prayers and thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones and properties in the unfortunate incident.”
Nwifuru also assured affected families of government support and urged communities across the state to embrace peaceful coexistence.
“No development will thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction,” he said.