Man Killed In Abia Community After Banishment By Kinsmen

A commercial motorcyclist from Obuoro community in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Mr. Okezie Onyema Onyendu, has tragically died from injuries sustained after being attacked by unknown assailants in Amawom village.

The brutal attack, which occurred on March 7, 2025, led to Okezie's death on March 10 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia. Reports indicate that the deceased was attacked just one month after being banished from his community over a land-sharing dispute.

According to Okezie's widow, Mrs. Ogechi Okezie, her late husband was forcefully banished from Obuoro Ibere in February 2024 after he refused to surrender his ancestral land to a distant relative. Despite relocating to his wife's village in Itunta, the deceased continued to face threats from some members of his community.

"My husband was arrested and banished from our community. I took him to my village in Itunta, but they still came there and chased us away. My husband decided to sue them in court, and the case was scheduled for hearing on March 12. Unfortunately, he was attacked and went missing on March 7, only for his unconscious body to be found with one ear cut off,"the widow narrated.

During the attack, Okezie's motorcycle, mobile phone, and the money he earned from his transportation business on that day were also stolen.

Mrs. Ogechi further alleged that a traditional chief in Obuoro Ibere, along with other individuals, had previously threatened her husband's life. She also claimed that those responsible for her husband's murder are now threatening to eliminate her to cover up the crime.

The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that the case had been reported at the Police Area Command in Umuahia. She assured the public that investigations have commenced to apprehend those responsible for the gruesome act.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the Obuoro community and beyond, with residents calling on the Abia State Government and security agencies to ensure justice is served and the culprits brought to book.

The widow, now living in fear for her life, has appealed to the police and human rights organizations for protection and justice for her late husband.