Friends of Vietnam-Based Nigerian Killed in Umuahia Clash Demand Justice

Friends of late Samson Nwaubani, a Vietnam-based Nigerian who was brutally killed during the recent communal clash between Okwu and Umuajata communities in Umuahia, have cried out for justice. They fear the case may be swept under the carpet if authorities fail to act swiftly.

Samson, who had returned home from Vietnam, was stabbed to death on Tuesday, August 27, during the annual New Yam Festival in Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA. Eyewitnesses said he was ambushed by suspected Umuajata youths while passing through the area with some Okwu youths en route to the festival ground. He reportedly slumped and died on the spot after being stabbed in the neck and macheted on the arm.

Speaking to People of Abia, some of Samson’s close friends described his death as a painful loss and called on security agencies to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to book.

“Samson didn’t deserve this. He was a hardworking young man who had built a life abroad but still loved home. It’s sad that after all his struggles, he came back only to die this way. We are worried because cases like this are often silenced, but we won’t keep quiet. Justice must be served,” one of them said.

Another friend noted that the rising violence in Olokoro has become alarming, stressing that government’s suspension of masquerader activities is not enough.
“The authorities must arrest and prosecute those who killed Samson. If they don’t, it means his life will just be wasted without accountability. We won’t allow this case to die down,” he added.

The Umuahia South Local Government Council had earlier suspended the Igba Ekpe masquerader activities tied to the New Yam festival, citing security concerns. The council boss, Chinedu Enwereuzo, warned that anyone flouting the directive would face the full weight of the law.

Despite the suspension, Samson’s friends insist that banning cultural activities without addressing the root causes of the clashes will not solve the problem. They are now calling on the Abia State Government, traditional rulers of Olokoro Clan, and security agencies to intervene decisively.

As of press time, the Abia State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the killing.

For now, Samson’s grieving friends and family wait in pain, with one clear demand: justice for a life cut short too soon.