A member representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Princess Chinwe Clara Nnabuife, has condemned the recent killing of at least 10 persons during a violent attack in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Council of Anambra State.

The victims, all of Ebonyi origin and residents of Ogboji, were reportedly killed on Monday evening during a meeting of the Ebonyi Union in the town, which falls within the federal constituency represented by Nnabuife.

The victims were members of an association of Ebonyi indigenes holding their monthly meeting in the area at the time.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Centre in Abuja, the lawmaker described the killings as a heinous and avoidable loss of lives.

While calling for a full-scale investigation by security agencies, she observed that no Nigerian citizen deserves to be murdered in cold blood under any circumstances.

Citing preliminary findings from survivors, community leaders, and security operatives, Nnabuife revealed that the violence stemmed from a leadership tussle within the Ebonyi Union in Ogboji.

She disclosed that the crisis escalated after the emergence of a splinter faction, which had allegedly absconded with the union’s documents and funds.

The lawmaker said credible accounts suggest that the conflict turned deadly when unknown armed assailants were brought into the matter.

She said, “Based on preliminary information gathered from survivors, eyewitnesses, community leaders, and security operatives, the incident appears to have stemmed from an internal leadership dispute within the Ebonyi Union in Ogboji. Credible reports suggest that the conflict, regrettably, escalated and allegedly involved the invitation of external armed elements, which led to this avoidable loss of lives.

“Importantly, all indications show that this was neither an ethnic nor a communal conflict, but rather an intra-group crisis among members of the same ethnic background.

“I want to emphasise here that Ebonyi indigenes have lived peacefully in Ogboji community for years, going about their businesses without any form of harassment or intimidation from their host community.

“Further details provided by the President General of the Ogboji Town Union, and corroborated by concerned residents, indicate that before the attack, the chairman and seven members of the Ebonyi Union in Ogboji had formally petitioned the Town Union against the operations of a splinter group.

“According to their report, the splinter group had unlawfully broken away and absconded with key union materials, including the minute book, financial records, cash, and other valuables. This leadership crisis reportedly came to a head in March 2025, when the splinter group publicly distanced itself from the parent body.

“In response, the parent body insisted on their return. Notably, the alleged leader of the splinter group, who also happens to be the chairman and one of the victims of the attack, has since volunteered a formal statement to the Police, further validating this sequence of events.”

According to her, the Ogboji Town Union and local vigilante groups responded swiftly to contain the situation, evacuate victims, and prevent further violence.

Nnabuife called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the governments of Anambra and Ebonyi states to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation that would bring the perpetrators to justice.

The lawmaker also urged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to provide immediate support for the victims’ families, including medical, psychological, and relief assistance.

She further appealed to the media and citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation or inflammatory narratives.

“This is not the time for blame or sensationalism. It is a moment for sober reflection, national solidarity, and truth. Let us allow the relevant institutions to handle the matter with professionalism and objectivity,” she said.