Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested 27 suspects in connection with the recent violent clashes in Umuchigbo-Nike, Enugu East local government area, where two brothers were gruesomely murdered and several houses, vehicles, and other properties were set ablaze or destroyed.
Spokesman of the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that preliminary investigation revealed that the attacks and destruction stemmed from a leadership tussle that has long divided the community.
He added that the investigation further showed that the murder of the two brothers by one faction, and a retaliatory attack by the opposing faction the following day, led to the destruction and burning of five residential buildings and several vehicles.
“Twenty-seven (27) suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigative and operational efforts are ongoing to apprehend others still at large,” he stated.
Ndukwe, however, averred that normalcy has been restored in the area, with police operatives deployed to maintain law and order.
“The Commissioner reaffirms the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public peace and security, warning that acts of violence under any guise will not be tolerated in Enugu State,” he stated.
