The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a government official and two traditional rulers in connection with the killing of four persons in Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects include Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, coordinator of the Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo, as well as two traditional rulers identified as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.

The state police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said the arrests followed a joint security operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ukandu disclosed that 10 other suspects had earlier been taken into custody, adding that investigations were ongoing.

“Yes, following the attack, the coordinator of Amasiri, two traditional rulers and other individuals were arrested during a joint security operation,” he said. “All suspects are currently in our custody, and investigations are ongoing. The command will not relent until everyone involved is brought to justice.”

The arrests are linked to a long-standing 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 persons attacked Okporojor village, killing four residents and destroying houses and other property.

In the aftermath of the incident, Governor Francis Nwifuru dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan in Afikpo LGA. The governor announced the decision on Sunday during a visit to Okporojor village.

Earlier, a traditional leader from the affected community had called on the state government to intervene urgently and ensure that those responsible for the violence were arrested and prosecuted.