Security agencies in Ebonyi State have taken into custody the Coordinator of the Amasiri Development Centre, Mr Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, along with two traditional rulers from the Amasiri community, in connection with a deadly attack that claimed four lives in Edda LGA.
Gatekeepers News reports that the monarchs, identified as HRH Onyaidam Bassey and HRH Godfrey Oko-Obia, were reportedly arrested following joint operations involving Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Police Public Relations Officer SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed that ten other suspects had been apprehended earlier as part of the unfolding investigation. Officers are continuing to question all those in custody as they work to identify additional individuals allegedly involved in the violence.
The arrests follow a violent clash on January 29, 2026, which erupted from a longstanding land dispute between the Okporojor community in Oso Edda and residents of the neighbouring Amasiri area in Afikpo LGA. During the attack, houses were burned and four villagers were killed, with three victims reportedly beheaded by suspected armed assailants.
In response to the crisis, Governor Francis Nwifuru earlier dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri community, removing the duo’s traditional titles as part of efforts to restore peace and order. Leaders in the affected community had demanded urgent government action and called for the arrest of those responsible for the bloodshed.
Police said they will maintain operations in the area and have increased patrols to ensure calm returns as investigations progress.
