Suspect Arrested as Police Reveal Motive Behind Anambra Massacre

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the recent massacre in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, where 13 people were killed. The victims, all of whom were of Ebonyi State origin, were attending a monthly meeting of their association when gunmen stormed the venue on Monday evening.

According to a statement from the Anambra State Police Command, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu led a joint security operation to the scene of the attack on Wednesday night. During the operation, a male suspect identified as Sunday Mbanu was arrested and is currently cooperating with investigators.

Police investigations, supported by statements from community leaders and the son of the landlord of the compound where the meeting took place, indicate that the massacre was linked to an internal leadership dispute within the Ebonyi indigenes’ association. The meeting that was attacked had reportedly been convened by a factional leadership of the group. The faction is said to have bypassed official conflict resolution channels and taken their grievances to the President General of the Ogboji community. Attempts by the President General to resolve the matter through informal means had failed, creating tensions that escalated into violence.

One of the victims was a tenant in the compound and is believed to have played a central role in organizing the meeting. His involvement is now part of the police investigation.

Commissioner Orutugu expressed deep condolences to the people of Ebonyi State and the families of the deceased, and wished those injured a speedy recovery. He assured the public that the police are committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, Chika Nwoba, a social media influencer and former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, also claimed that the killings were sparked by the leadership dispute. In a Facebook post, he alleged that a rival faction leader provided false information to unknown gunmen, leading to the attack. According to him, the main target of the shooting, the chairman of the meeting, narrowly escaped. He added that the individual who allegedly contacted the gunmen is now in the custody of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Awkuzu and is providing critical information to investigators.

The Anambra State Government and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State have both condemned the attack, calling for swift justice and better protection for citizens residing outside their home states.