The state government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described the killing as a dastard act and vowed that the perpetrators must be brought to book.

The Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led Anambra State government has condemned the killing of 13 natives of Ebonyi State who were residents in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

The state government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described the killing as a dastard act and vowed that the perpetrators must be brought to book.

According to the statement, the Anambra state government expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended its condolences to the families of the victims.

“The Anambra State government is deeply saddened by the recent killing of innocent lives at Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area,” the statement read.

“The government strongly condemns this dastardly act in the strongest possible terms and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, expressed sadness and anger over the brutal murder of the 13 Ebonyi indigenes. 

The victims were allegedly killed by gunmen on Sunday evening while returning from a community meeting.

Nwifuru described the senseless act of violence as a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life.

The governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, while reacting to the massacre, vowed to work closely with Governor Soludo to ensure that justice is served. 

In his statement, Mefor said that preliminary investigations point to the incident being the result of an internal dispute, stressing that it was not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group, in an apparent response to growing concerns of intercommunal tensions.

“We want to assure Ndi Anambra and beyond that this incident was not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group,” Mefor stated.

The statement emphasised the government's expectation that law enforcement authorities would swiftly conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

“The government expects the police command to conduct a thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and bring them to justice,” the commissioner said.

“We assure the people of Ogboji and the entire state that we will do everything humanly possible to ensure justice is served.”

The Commissioner also called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to aid the investigation.

“The government assures the people of Ogboji and the entire state that we will do everything humanly possible to ensure justice is served. 

“We urge all residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in our great state.”