Chinedum Treasure
People of Umudioka Awka in Awka South Local government Area of Anambra state has condemned the gruesome murder of an 84-year old man
in the community.
The octogenarian, Ichie Micheal Nwobu was reportedly stabbed to death in his bedroom by yet-to-be identified persons in the early hours of Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Addressing reporters on Monday at the Ndịchie Hall, Umudioka Obunese, Secretary of Ndichie Umudioka, Mr Joseph Nweke described the incident as sacrilege and first of its kind in the community.
He said the deceased was murdered in his bedroom located upstairs while the wife and other members of the family were away.
He called for a thorough investigations to unravel the remote cause and to fish out the perpetrators.
He said, “Umudioka community in its entirety condemn this gruesome murder. This sacrilege has not happened in our community before.
“We’re saddened by his death and appeal to security agencies in the state and Nigeria to carry out thorough Investigations so the perpetrators can be arrested and punished to avert a repeat.
“We had wanted to carry out protest to Government House but later decided to engage the media so the world can hear us.”
Head Administrative of the Umudioka Obunese, Fidelis Nwokike expressed regrets over the incident, stressing the deceased was healthy prior to his murder.
“He attended a burial ceremony a day before his death. He even came down to pump water before the incident happened. The assailants attempted to cut off his head.
“We had to calm down the youths so we can first complain to the government. This act is most heinous, reprehensible act of brutality to say the least. We plead with the powers that be to help us fish out the perpetrators,” he noted.
Chairman, Okolobia Umudioka, Christopher Chijioke Uzoh said the youths in the community had restrained themselves from taking laws into their hands as law abiding citizens.
“Around 8.30am that Sunday, I got a call that Chief Mike Nwobu was murdered in his bedroom by unknown assailants. Before we rushed there, the man had passed on. We quickly alerted our elders. He was stabbed with a knife.
“We’re here to let the world know we’re not happy. But as law abiding citizens, we don’t want to take laws into our hands. We want this matter investigated so those behind this dastardly act will be brought to book,” he stated.
On his part, Nephew to the deceased, Emeka Nnaemeka said he was supposed to meet with the deceased for discussions on the burial of his late elder sister the day the incident happened.
“When I tried calling him, I couldn’t reach him on phone. Meanwhile, an uncle called me that he was rushed to the hospital.
“I learnt no immediate member of the family was around at the time of the incident. The wife went to church with the little boy staying with them.
“My uncle was a civil servant before he ventured into business. We’ve reported to both government and police but no response yet,” he added.
A stakeholder in the community and former youth chairman, Anayo Obiako said, “What happened on March 2, 2025 has never been heard in the history of Umudioka, not to talk of the entire Awka community, This is the strongest community in Awka kingdom.
“If we don’t handle the incident with care, the youth might erupt and get out of hand. That’s why we’re calling on everyone concerned to ensure justice is done and culprits fished out.”
When contacted, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said he was not aware of the incident.
“The information has not gotten to my table yet,” he said.
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