The Anambra State Police have linked Monday’s deadly attack in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area—which claimed the lives of 10 indigenes of Ebonyi State—to a leadership tussle within the association representing Ebonyi people in the community.
Meanwhile, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged Governor Charles Soludo to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice to prevent any potential retaliatory attacks.
Reports indicate that armed men, arriving in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), stormed a gathering of Ebonyi indigenes and opened fire without provocation, killing ten people and injuring several others.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, who led a joint security team including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other sister agencies to the scene, confirmed the arrest of one Sunday Mbanu in connection with the incident.
Commissioner Orutugu clarified that the attack was not specifically targeted at indigenes of any state, but was instead the cowardly act of individuals intent on disrupting peace and progress in the area.
In an official statement, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, explained that the meeting attacked by the gunmen was linked to a factional leadership struggle within the Ebonyi community residing in Ogboji.
He added, “It was alleged that the association had earlier lodged complaints and submitted a petition to the President General of Ogboji without involving the security agencies.”
He further stated that during interactions with key stakeholders in the community—including the Traditional Prime Minister, the President General of the Ogboji community, and the son of the landlord at whose residence the meeting took place—several additional revelations about the incident came to light.
“There is an ongoing leadership dispute within the Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the area,” he stated.
“The President General was attempting to resolve the leadership crisis using an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approach, but the situation escalated, resulting in the tragic incident,” he revealed.
He added, “The son of the landlord confirmed that one of the victims was a tenant in their compound and provided certain details that the joint investigative team is currently following up on.
”Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga also conveyed the condolences of the Joint Security Team to the people of Ebonyi State, particularly the families and friends of the deceased, and expressed wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared four days of mourning in honour of the victims whose lives were tragically cut short in the recent attack. The group emphasized the urgent need for the Anambra State government to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
In a strongly worded statement, Ohanaeze criticized Governor Charles Soludo for his silence following the incident, calling the lack of immediate condemnation “alarming and unacceptable.” The group expressed dismay that more than 48 hours had passed since the massacre, yet no official response had come from the Anambra State government.
“The silence remains deafening,” they stated.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserted that Ndigbo across the nation are demanding justice and a comprehensive explanation for the atrocities committed against their Ebonyi brothers and sisters residing in Anambra. They warned that Governor Soludo’s inaction not only casts a shadow over his leadership but also risks deepening mistrust and resentment among the people.
In contrast, the group commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his prompt and decisive response. They acknowledged his efforts to pursue justice and engage the Anambra State government as timely and commendable. Ohanaeze stressed that such cooperation is essential for promoting healing, accountability, and restoring public confidence in leadership.
