Nando Community Denies Police Allegations of Ritual Killings, Threatens Legal Action
The Nando community in Anambra State has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by the Anambra State Police Command, which claimed that four indigenes were arrested in connection with the killing of three Cameroonian nationals. In a swift and forceful response, community leaders labeled the police report as false and threatened legal action to defend their reputation.
Police Report Details Arrests and Seizures
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the arrests occurred on February 13, following confessions from two previously detained suspects. The police reported that four individuals were apprehended at a shrine in Nando, including the alleged chief priest, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as Ugoebenajah, aged 27; Nwabunne Bright, 27; Chinecherem Chiama, 21; and Michael Ekwunife, 38.
The police further stated that during the operation, they recovered two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, ten live cartridges, and five live 9mm ammunition. The report detailed a gun battle at the shrine, where about thirty armed men allegedly opened fire on police operatives, leading to one suspect sustaining a bullet injury and others escaping with wounds.
Community Leaders Condemn Police Allegations
In an exclusive interview, Chief Okechukwu Uwadiegwu, President General of the Nando Development Union (NDU), described the police report as "a lie from the pit of hell" and accused the authorities of fabricating the story to tarnish the community's hard-earned reputation. Speaking through the union's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chukwuebuka Chibuzo, Uwadiegwu urged residents of Nando, Anambra, and Nigerians at large to disregard the allegations.
The community's response highlighted several key points:
- The police report was published without proper verification and investigation, showing little regard for truth or reputation.
- Media outlets irresponsibly spread the false narrative, lending it an air of legitimacy.
- Efforts to contact the Anambra State Police PRO to retract the story were ignored, forcing the community to consider legal action.
- The community clarified that any recent arrest involved a minor disagreement between two brothers in Ikem community, Nando, which has since been resolved amicably.
Community's Stance on Reputation and Integrity
The Nando Development Union emphasized that Nando is a community of peace, unity, and integrity, and will not allow reckless allegations to tarnish its name. They called on all indigenes to professionally correct the false narrative on social media and police platforms to protect the town's reputation. The union's statement underscored the damage such misinformation can cause to trust in law enforcement and community dignity.
Related Developments in Anambra
In a separate incident, police in Anambra reported the arrest of a 26-year-old native doctor linked to the murder of a pregnant nurse. Authorities alleged that the suspect conspired with accomplices to kill and mutilate the victim, with body parts taken to a shrine. This case highlights ongoing concerns about ritual killings in the region, though the Nando community insists their situation is unrelated and based on false claims.
The Nando community's denial and threat of legal action mark a significant escalation in tensions between local residents and law enforcement, raising questions about police accountability and the impact of unverified reports on community relations.
