The police in Ebonyi have arrested a former Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution in the state, Donatus Ajah, on allegations of murder.

Ajah is being accused of complicity in the death of a 46-year-old man identified as Azubuike Inya. The deceased was allegedly killed by hoodlums who inflicted machete wounds on him that led to his death.

According to the police, both Mr. Ajah and the late Mr. Inya are from Amankwo village in Nkpoghoro community in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Investigations revealed that the killing was occasioned by an intra-communal crisis involving the two factions of Amankwo village.

One of the factions is said to be led by Mr. Ajah while another faction is led by one Ifeanyi Obila. The two groups have constantly clashed in the community as they battled for supremacy and control of the community.

According to reports, on May 23, some hoodlums attacked a pub in the village and inflicted machete wounds on anyone in sight. Inya heard of the attack and immediately ran there to stop the bloodshed. His plea on the attackers fell on deaf ears as they turned to him and inflicted deep machete wounds on him which led to his death.

Family members of the deceased insist that the hoodlums were from the camp of the former Commissioner.

Spokesperson of the state police command, Loveth Odah, who confirmed Ajah’s arrest, said

“Yes he is in our custody. We are still investigating the matter,”