The violence led to reprisal attacks, with several houses and vehicles burnt down, the police also confirmed.
Violent clashes have erupted in Umuchigbo-Nike community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, resulting in the deaths of two siblings.
The violence led to reprisal attacks, with several houses and vehicles burnt down, the police also confirmed.
According to the Enugu State Police Command in a statement issued on Friday evening, preliminary investigations revealed that the attacks stemmed from a long-standing leadership tussle that has divided the community.
The command in the statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, said it has arrested 27 suspects in connection with the incident and is conducting a manhunt for others still at large.
The statement partly read: “Preliminary investigation reveals that the attacks and destruction stemmed from a leadership tussle that has long divided the community.
“It further shows that the murder of the two brothers on 29th October 2025 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.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who visited the scene on Friday, expressed deep concern over the scale of violence.
He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation and ordered a sustained manhunt for fleeing suspects.
“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,” said SP Ndukwe.
“Normalcy has, however, been restored in the area, with police operatives deployed to maintain law and order.”
The Commissioner has urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the warring factions to remain calm, embrace dialogue, and support the police in ensuring justice prevails and peace is fully restored.
