Middle-aged man identified as Lawrence Peter has been killed in Amangbala, Ohaisu community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following a minor disagreement with a fellow villager.
The incident occurred during preparations for the annual Iko Ohaisu festival.
Confirming the development, spokesperson of the Ebonyi State Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu said the suspect had been arrested and detained.
“We are aware of the incident and the suspect has been arrested and is in our custody. Our men have arrested some persons in the area, and investigation has commenced,” Ukandu stated.
A community member, Chukwuemeka Oyim narrated that the deceased was attacked at Ogo Amaokwu-Amangbala chambers around 1am when the villagers were preparing costumes for the festival.
He said the suspect stormed the chamber and began harassing those present, demanding N1,000 as a levy for using the ‘Ogo’, a sacred space traditionally maintained by selected youths.
“The suspect claimed he and his associates cleaned the Ogo and demanded payment from everyone present,” Oyim explained.
According to him, the deceased politely told the suspect he had no money on him, but his appeal was ignored.
“The suspect immediately used a bottle to cut deeply into the victim’s head and then fled.
Mr Peter was rushed to Maranatha Hospital in Afikpo, where he died,” Oyim added.
The police say investigation is ongoing and the command has assured that justice would be served.
