Authorities link deadly Orumba South incident to internal community dispute, not targeted ethnic violence
AWKA, Nigeria | July 1, 2025
The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed claims that the recent killing of 10 individuals in the Ogboji community of Orumba South Local Government Area was ethnically motivated against indigenes of Ebonyi State, attributing the attack to an internal leadership dispute within the local Ebonyi community.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Awka, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga said that the clarification followed an on-site assessment by the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, who led a Joint Security Investigative Team to the scene of the attack.
The security delegation included personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other allied security agencies.
“The incident is not a targeted attack on any ethnic group. It is the cowardly act of criminal elements who are enemies of peace and stability,” Commissioner Orutugu was quoted as saying during the assessment.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of a suspect, Sunday Mbanu, who is currently assisting investigators with vital information surrounding the killings.
During a community engagement session involving traditional and civic leaders—including the Traditional Prime Minister and the President General (PG) of Ogboji—officials learned that the violence may have stemmed from a factional dispute within the Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in Ogboji.
“The meeting during which the attack occurred involved a faction of Ebonyi indigenes’ leadership. Prior tensions had led to a formal complaint to the community PG but no report was filed with law enforcement,” Ikenga explained.
He noted that the PG had attempted to mediate the crisis using an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. However, the situation escalated beyond control, resulting in tragic loss of life.
Further details emerged from the son of the landlord of the compound where the attack took place, revealing that at least one of the victims was a tenant. Authorities are now following several investigative leads based on the testimony provided.
The police extended condolences to the affected families and the Ebonyi community at large, assuring that those responsible will be held accountable.
“We empathize with the families of the deceased and wish a swift recovery to the injured. The Command is committed to ensuring that justice is served,” Ikenga added.
While tensions remain high, Anambra law enforcement has reiterated its stance that the Ogboji killings were rooted in a localized dispute, not ethnic animosity. As investigations continue, the Command has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to support ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
