In a significant development in one of Abia State’s most disturbing cases of community violence, seven members of a disbanded vigilante group in Amangwo Umuigu, Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area, have been arrested and detained by the Abia State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia. The suspects are linked to the abduction and suspected murder of a young man, Solomon Ikoku.
The detained individuals, identified as Chief Chituru Oti Ofo, Alozie Eluwa, Eze Promise Chimobi, Godwill Kanu, Chikeka Nwosu, Emeka Nwagboso, and Hope Ikechi Iroanya, were apprehended following weeks of public outcry sparked by the heart-wrenching account of the victim’s mother, Mrs. Onyekachi Ikoku. She recounted to *All Facts Newspaper* how armed men, allegedly from the vigilante group, stormed her home at 5 a.m., brutally beat her son, and abducted him. “They dragged him out, and I haven’t seen him since,” she said, tearfully recalling the ordeal. Mrs. Ikoku also revealed that her family has faced death threats from some of the suspects, warning them to remain silent.
Following the incident, Chief Munachi Onwuchekwa, Chairman of Amangwo Village Council, convened an emergency meeting, escalating the matter to the community’s traditional ruler, Eze Larry Ogbonna, and subsequently to the Nigeria Police Force. The case was referred to the SCID, where investigations have intensified.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the suspects are being interrogated at the State CID Headquarters in Umuahia. “This case is being treated with utmost seriousness, and no one involved will escape justice,” the officer stated. Authorities have also launched a manhunt for other members of the disbanded vigilante group believed to be on the run.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with human rights groups urging Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Commissioner of Police to ensure justice is served. The Ikoku family has appealed to the state government and security agencies for answers. “All I want is justice for my only son,” Mrs. Ikoku pleaded. “I just want to know what happened to him.”
As investigations continue, the case remains a focal point of public concern, with calls for accountability growing louder across Abia State.
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