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Two brothers have been killed and 27 suspects arrested following violent clashes that erupted in Umuchigbo-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The incident, which also left several houses, vehicles and other properties destroyed,, was said to have stemmed from a lingering leadership tussle that has divided the community.
According to a statement by the Enugu Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, on Thursday visited the affected areas to assess the level of destruction and ensure calm was restored.
During the visit, the police chief expressed deep concern over what he described as “avoidable and senseless violence” and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.
He also ordered a sustained manhunt for fleeing suspects, assuring that everyone involved in the killings and destruction would be brought to justice.
Preliminary investigation, the statement added, revealed that the crisis began on October 29, 2025, when one faction allegedly murdered two brothers from the opposing side.
A retaliatory attack the following day led to the burning of five residential buildings and several vehicles.
“Twenty-seven suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigative and operational efforts are ongoing to apprehend others still at large,” police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, stated.
The commissioner urged traditional rulers, community leaders and the warring factions to remain calm, embrace dialogue and support ongoing police efforts to ensure lasting peace.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining public peace and warned that acts of violence under any guise would not be tolerated in the state.
Police operatives have since been deployed to the area to maintain law and order.
