The community of Umudioka in Awka Capital Territory, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been thrown into turmoil following the brutal murder of an 84-year-old elder, Ichie Michael Chinwe Nwobu.
The gruesome incident, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, March 2, has sparked outrage and unrest among residents.
Tension escalated as angry youths threatened to stage a violent protest over the shocking killing, but the swift intervention of village elders helped to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
According to local sources, the attackers gained access to the victim’s bedroom on the upper floor of his residence between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., shortly after his wife and other family members had left for church.
They reportedly stabbed him multiple times in the neck and chest before fleeing the scene.
During an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the Umudioka Village Town Hall on Monday, Chief Joseph Nweke, Secretary to Ndichie Umudioka Obunese, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the killing.
He noted that such an atrocity had never occurred in the history of the community.
“This is an abomination of the highest order,” he declared. “Considering the victim’s age and the manner in which he was slaughtered, we demand that the killers be fished out and brought to justice.”
Chief Fidelis Nwokike, Chairman of the Administrative Organ of the village, admitted that keeping the youth from resorting to violence was a daunting task.
He urged security agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and uncover the motive behind the crime.
“We last interacted with him on Saturday, March 1, during a burial ceremony in the village. We are in shock that he was brutally murdered just hours later,” he lamented.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters. Community youth leader Christopher Uzoh, alongside Nnaemeka Emeka (the deceased’s nephew) and former youth chairman Mr. Anayo Obiakor, strongly denounced the act and demanded justice.
Reacting to the incident, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the matter had not yet been officially reported to his office.
However, he assured that he would contact the State Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to confirm if an inquiry had commenced.
As the tragic death of Ichie Michael Chinwe Nwobu continues to send shockwaves across Anambra State, residents are calling on law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
