THE quiet community of Ngandam village in Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area, has been plunged into grief and outrage following the brutal murder of a young man, Emeka Agwuncha, who was allegedly hacked to death by four suspected cultists on the eve of Easter.
In a harrowing account from his home, the victim’s father, Mr Emmanuel Agwuncha, who is both blind and a double amputee, described the horrific circumstances surrounding the death of his son – a son he says was his sole reason for clinging to life.
“My son was invited by the suspected killers to the house of one Dr. Okpala in Umuru village,” the grieving father recounted. “Upon his arrival, he was immediately attacked with machetes, blocks and clubs, resulting in his instant death.”
Mr Agwuncha continued, his voice breaking with anguish: “This wicked act happened on the eve of Easter. After killing him, they dumped his corpse at the gate of our compound and fled.”
He said a formal complaint was lodged at the Nnobi police division, leading to the arrest of five individuals, including Dr. Okpala, on whose premises the murder took place. However, Mr Agwuncha expressed concern that the doctor had been released on health grounds, though he was quick to add: “That does not mean he has been set free.”
According to the bereaved father, the case file and the suspects have now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nnobi. This decision followed a failed attempt at an out-of-court settlement.
“The relatives of the killers called for a settlement, and the DPO gave some days for such a meeting, but it ended in fiasco. The DPO then took the matter to Awka for discreet investigation,” Mr Agwuncha explained.
Speaking directly to the authorities, the blind octogenarian made a desperate plea for justice.
“I need justice in this matter. I am blind, and my legs were amputated on health grounds. The only reason I am still alive is because of this son of mine. And now they have killed him like a common animal, without him doing anything to them. I need justice for his death. The perpetrators cannot be left to go scot-free. I plead with Governor Soludo, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, and all other good-spirited individuals to come to my rescue,” he cried.
The victim’s uncle, Mr Anene Agwuncha, who resides in Benin City, the Edo State capital, lamented that the tragedy had severely worsened his brother’s already fragile health condition.
“From what I was told, the killers invited Emeka to Dr. Okpala’s compound and murdered him with machetes, blocks and clubs there. They then brought his corpse and dumped it at the entrance to my brother’s compound,” Mr Anene Agwuncha said.
Another uncle based in Lagos, Mr Humphrey Agwuncha, condemned the alleged murder in the strongest possible terms and urged the police to ensure the culprits are brought to book without delay.
When contacted for comment on the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, promised to make enquiries, adding that the incident had not yet been formally reported to him as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the remains of Emeka Agwuncha have been deposited in a mortuary in a nearby community pending an autopsy and further investigation.
Crimes Chroniclers will continue to monitor this developing story.
