Victims of an alleged attack on members of the Umunkpumente kindred in Ihie Autonomous Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have called on Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Ebonyi State Police Command, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene and ensure justice.
The victims alleged that the attack was linked to efforts to investigate the murder of a community member, late Fabian Okonkwo, who was killed at his residence on April 16, 2026.
The Umunkpumente kindred members claimed they were attacked by suspected youths while holding a meeting to discuss support for the family of the deceased and demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of Umunkpumente kindred, Christopher Okonkwo, said the crisis began after the community petitioned the state government and security agencies over the killing of Fabian Okonkwo.
According to him, the late Fabian had earlier sought permission to bury his in-law at Ekembe, Ihie Autonomous Community, where he resided, but allegedly faced opposition from the community leadership.
Okonkwo claimed that Fabian approached the President General of Ihie Community, Chijoke Ume, who rejected the request and allegedly threatened him if he proceeded with the burial arrangement.
He added that Fabian later sought approval from the traditional ruler of Ihie Autonomous Community, Eze Gabriel Okoro, who granted permission after confirming that the land belonged to Fabian’s family.
However, days later, on April 16, 2026, gunmen reportedly invaded Fabian’s residence and shot him dead. Okonkwo said nothing was taken from the victim, suggesting that the incident was a targeted killing.
He stated that after waiting for weeks without significant progress in the investigation, members of the kindred petitioned Governor Nwifuru and the Commissioner of Police, leading to the arrest of Chijoke Ume and his secretary, Kenneth Kalu.
Okonkwo alleged that following the arrests, pressure was mounted on him to withdraw the petition.
He said: “The local government chairman asked me to go to the police and ensure the President General and the Secretary were released. I explained that the petition was a decision of the kindred and not a personal matter.”
He further alleged that on June 5, 2026, some youths invaded his residence, destroyed property, and issued threats demanding the release of the arrested individuals.
According to him, the situation escalated on June 7 when over 100 youths allegedly stormed a meeting venue of the Umunkpumente kindred.
He claimed about 10 people sustained injuries, while motorcycles and a shop belonging to one Onwulandu Mbazu were allegedly destroyed and looted.
Okonkwo appealed to the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to investigate the attacks, noting that a similar incident occurred in August 2024, where properties were allegedly destroyed and several people injured.
Another victim, James Ifeanyi, the Financial Secretary of the kindred, accused the Youth President of Ihie Autonomous Community, Kelvin Chukwuemeka, and a Special Assistant to the Ivo Local Government Chairman, Festus Nwafor, of leading the attack.
He alleged that the attackers arrived with weapons and disrupted the meeting.
Ifeanyi claimed the violence was aimed at frustrating the investigation into Fabian Okonkwo’s death and urged security agencies to prosecute anyone found culpable.
Meanwhile, Ivo Local Government Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, said the murder case had been reported to the police and investigation was ongoing.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the President General and his secretary, adding that peace had returned to the community.
Ukandu condemned the attack, stating that investigations into the murder case had not been concluded and urged residents to allow the police to complete their work.
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