In a devastating incident that has rocked the serene community of Ibagwa-Aka in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, four young siblings were brutally murdered by a local spiritualist, who also serves as a pastor of a sabbath church in the area.
The victims, Kamsiyochukwu Ezema (7), Ezinne Ezema (6), Ujunwa Ezema (5), and Chinedu Ezema (2), were reportedly killed with a pestle, a horrifying act that has left their family and the entire community in deep mourning and disbelief.
The motive behind this heinous crime remains unclear, but the shock and outrage are palpable across the region. Speaking on the tragedy, Mr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, expressed his profound sorrow and condemnation of the act. “Our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka,” he said during a condolence visit to the bereaved family on Saturday.
Ukwueze, accompanied by officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, also visited the scene of the crime to oversee investigations and ensure swift justice. “Following preliminary investigations, law enforcement agencies have apprehended some key suspects in connection with the crime, while still searching for others yet at large,” he revealed.
The chairman ordered the sealing of the premises where the crime occurred, which is believed to have been used for unauthorized herbal medicine and spiritual activities linked to the suspects. “We are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring that justice is served,” Ukwueze affirmed.
The grieving parents, Chinonso and Loveth Ezema, who were away at the time of the incident, are demanding thorough investigations and justice. “We want the police to thoroughly investigate this and ensure the culprit is brought to book,” the father pleaded.
As the community grapples with the loss, authorities have assured residents that they will work closely with security agencies to enhance surveillance and prevent such tragedies in the future.
Efforts to obtain comments from the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
