Members of 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 investigate an alleged attack on them and bring those responsible to justice.
The victims alleged that they were attacked by suspected thugs while holding a family meeting aimed at discussing the welfare of the family of late Fabian Okonkwo, who was reportedly killed in April 2026.
According to the victims, the crisis began after members of the community petitioned the state government and security agencies over the murder of Okonkwo, demanding a thorough investigation and the arrest of those behind the incident.
The Chairman of Umunkpumente Kindred, Christopher Okonkwo, alleged that before his death, Fabian Okonkwo had a disagreement with the leadership of Ihie Autonomous Community over plans to bury his in-law at Ekembe, Ishiagu.
He claimed that Fabian had sought approval from the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Gabriel Okoro, who granted permission after considering the family’s ownership of the land.
However, Christopher alleged that on April 16, 2026, gunmen invaded Fabian’s residence and killed him. He said the incident appeared to be targeted because no property was reportedly stolen.
He further stated that after the incident, the police moved Fabian’s remains to the mortuary, but the family was not immediately informed about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Following what they described as a lack of progress in the investigation, members of the kindred reportedly petitioned Governor Nwifuru and the Commissioner of Police, leading to the arrest of the President General of Ihie Community, Chijoke Ume, and his secretary, Kenneth Kalu.
Christopher alleged that tensions increased afterwards, claiming that on June 5, 2026, some youths invaded his residence, destroyed property, and issued threats over the continued detention of the community leaders.
He also alleged that on June 7, 2026, more than 100 youths invaded a meeting of Umunkpumente Kindred and attacked members present.
The victims claimed that about 10 people sustained injuries, while motorcycles and a shop belonging to one Onwulandu Mbazu were allegedly damaged during the attack.
Another victim, James Ifeanyi, the Financial Secretary of Umunkpumente Kindred, accused some community youth leaders and a local government official of involvement in the incident, urging security agencies to investigate the matter.
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