Umuchigbo-Nike Clashes: Police Arrest 27 Suspects

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested twenty-seven (27) persons in connection with the violent clashes that recently erupted in Umuchigbo-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, leaving two brothers dead and several houses, vehicles, and other properties destroyed.

Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement, said the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, on Thursday visited the affected community, where he expressed deep concern over what he described as “avoidable and senseless violence.”

During the visit, CP Giwa directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale, discreet investigation into the incident and ordered a sustained manhunt for other suspects still at large. He assured that all those found culpable would be prosecuted to ensure justice and lasting peace.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the crisis stemmed from a protracted leadership tussle that has long divided the community. The violence reportedly began on October 29, 2025, when one faction allegedly killed two brothers, prompting a retaliatory attack the next day by the opposing faction, resulting in the burning of five houses and several vehicles.

While confirming that peace has since been restored, the Police Commissioner appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the rival factions to embrace dialogue and avoid further violence.

“Acts of violence under any guise will not be tolerated in Enugu State,” CP Giwa warned, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.

He further assured residents that police operatives have been strategically deployed to the community to prevent further breakdown of law and order, while investigations and operations to apprehend the remaining suspects continue.