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At least four people have died following a violent communal clash linked to a land dispute in Ebonyi State, with three victims reportedly beheaded during the attack.
The state police command said the violence broke out on January 29 when assailants stormed Okporojọr village in the Oso Edda community of Edda Local Government Area.
Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in the state, said that three people were killed through beheading during the assault, while another victim later died in the hospital after sustaining severe injuries.
He said the attack also led to the destruction of property, including the burning of several mud houses, damage to the windows of a church building and the destruction of harvested paddy rice.
The attackers were alleged to be from the Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area.
According to Ukandu, the incident stemmed from a long-running land dispute between Okporojọr village and the Ndukwe community.
Following the report, the commissioner of police ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units and the Police Mobile Force to the area, after which calm was restored.
He said the police chief later visited the community to commiserate with residents and assured them that justice would be served.
Ukandu added that 10 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident and that investigations were ongoing, with security personnel expected to remain in the area until the situation is fully resolved.
The police also appealed to residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow the law to take its course.
Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric and a blatant disregard for human life.
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Monday Uzor, the governor said he was shocked by the incident and directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
He stressed that the government would not tolerate acts of violence, noting that the protection of lives and property remained a top priority.
Nwifuru urged the affected communities to avoid reprisals and called on security agencies to take swift action to prevent further violence.
The governor also expressed sympathy with the families of those killed and affected by the destruction, assuring them of government support, while urging communities across the state to embrace peace and coexistence.
