Ogboji Killing: Anambra CP dismisses alleged targeting of Ebonyi natives, confirm arrest of a suspect

By our Reporter

Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu, has dismissed speculations that the shooting which led to death of 10 persons in Ogboji town, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra was targeted at Ebonyi Indigenes resident in the state. He also attributed the tragic shooting to a spin-off of leadership crisis rocking the Ebonyi state Indigenes association in the area.

The police chief made the declaration on Wednesday when he led a joint security team comprising the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies to the scene of the tragic incident which occurred on Monday.

Mr. Orutugu also confirmed the arrest of a male suspect, Sunday Mbanu who, he said, was assisting the Police in their investigation.

According to a statement signed by the Commands Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, quoted the commsisomer as saying that the incident was a cowardly action of the common enemies of the State. The statement read in parts:

“During the interaction with some stakeholders of the Community, including the Traditional Prime Minister, President General of the Ogboji Community and the son of the landlord where the meeting was held/the crime scene, some revelations were made as follows:

“There is a leadership squabble in the Association of Ebonyi State indigenes in the area. The meeting that recorded the incident is the factional leadership of Ebonyi indigenes living in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“It was alleged that the Association had earlier complained and written a petition to the President General of Ogboji without recourse to the security agencies.

“Meanwhile, as the PG was trying to use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategy to resolve the issue, it escalated to a record of the unfortunate incident.

“The son of the landlord confirmed that one of the victims is a tenant in their compound and gave some details that the joint investigative team are working on.

“Given the above, the Joint Security Team while condoling with the people of Ebonyi State, especially the family and friends of the deceased, wish the injured a quick recovery. The visit also witnessed a courtesy call on the Traditional Ruler of Ekwulobia.

Ikenga reassures of the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to ensuring that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to book.