IG Takes over Case of Killing of Police Officers in Anambra

• Oraifite leaders visit, commiserate with CP

Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has taken over the matter involving the killing of two police officers in Anambra on December 2.

Two police officers, ACP Oliver Abbey and ASP Akubo Joseph, were killed in Oraifite community by persons suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

A police source in Anambra State told THISDAY that the Inspector General of Police decided to take over the matter to ensure prompt and accurate investigation into the cause of the death of the senior police officers.

Leaders of Oraifite Improvement Union led by its President General, Sir Sunday Igboanuzue, who briefed journalists yesterday, also corroborated the latest development. He commended the police chief, adding that it was a serious matter, and that the take-over of the matter by Adamu would ensure accurate investigation.

The community stated that the crisis which engulfed the community was caused by a clash among cult groups.

Igboanuzue, who addressed journalists in Awka, said it was not in a hurry to indict IPOB members for the killing of the officers, to avoid preempting police investigation, but was willing to subject the community into a thorough investigation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the background and actions that led to the gruesome murder of two senior police officers resulted from a felonious rivalry and disputes between two cult groups, Otu Eke and Otu Afor.

“Otu Eke is a cult masquerade group that is as old as the existence of Oraifite. Unfortunately, in recent times, attempts by certain unscrupulous individuals to selfishly hijack the organisation compelled some of its members to resign and establish rival groups called Otu Afor and Otu Nkwo.

“The leadership of Oraifite commends the Inspector General of Police for recognising the seriousness of these crimes and ordering the transfer of the case to Force Headquarters.