Ogboji Killings: Anambra Rep. Nnabuife Debunks Ethnic, Communal Narrative

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Princess Chinwe Clara Nnabuife, has clarified that the tragic killings in Ogboji, Anambra State, which claimed the lives of at least 10 people, are not the result of ethnic or communal tensions.

Speaking during a press briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday, Nnabuife described the incident as a violent fallout from a leadership crisis within the Ebonyi Union in Ogboji, a town in Orumba South Local Government Area.

“All indications show that this was neither an ethnic nor a communal conflict,” she said. “Rather, it was an intra-group crisis among members of the same ethnic background.”

According to the lawmaker, the victims—who were all of Ebonyi State origin and lawful residents in the community—were holding a regular meeting when unknown assailants stormed the venue, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals.

She said Preliminary reports suggest the attack was linked to internal disputes within the Union, not hostilities with the host community.

“Ebonyi indigenes have lived peacefully in Ogboji for years without harassment or intimidation from the host community,” Nnabuife stressed, dispelling rumors of an ethnic clash.

She detailed that the crisis began earlier this year when a splinter faction broke away from the main Union body, allegedly absconding with critical documents and funds.

The faction’s leader—believed to be among the deceased—had earlier submitted a formal statement to the police, further shedding light on the internal wranglings.

The Ogboji Town Union, local vigilante groups, and community leaders were praised for acting swiftly to prevent further escalation, stabilizing the area and assisting with medical evacuations and burials.

Rep. Nnabuife commended the Ebonyi community in Ogboji for their calm and restraint, urging the media and public not to stoke ethnic narratives or spread misinformation about the incident.

“This is not the time for blame or sensationalism,” she warned. “It is a moment for sober reflection, national solidarity, and truth.”

She called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and state governments to commence a full, impartial investigation into the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The lawmaker also appealed to the Federal Government and humanitarian agencies to provide immediate support to affected families.