Abuja, NIGERIA — In a chilling act of violence that has shocked the residents of Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area in Anambra State – Nigeria, four individuals have been arrested for the brutal killing of a 74-year-old woman who was wheelchair-bound. The horrifying incident, which took place on Saturday, has left the community in disbelief as details of the crime unfold.
The victim, whose identity has yet to be fully disclosed, was allegedly set ablaze by the suspects, leaving her charred remains in a gruesome scene that police later uncovered. Authorities confirmed that the perpetrators even procured a casket in a grim attempt to bury the victim’s remains before law enforcement intervened.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the suspects—ranging in age from 21 to 60—were caught in the act of preparing to bury the woman when police operatives arrived at the scene. The burnt remains of the elderly woman, her wheelchair, and the casket were all recovered on Sunday after the arrest of the suspects.
The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, provided further details on the arrests, revealing that the suspects included Chinenye Ekwenugo, a 21-year-old woman from Ifitedunu, as well as Uzochukwu Okeke (47), Fidel Anayo (60), and Ikenna Anene (54), all of whom are from the Abagana community.
During questioning, Ekwenugo confessed that the murder was orchestrated by her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Igwe, who remains at large, alongside the other three individuals. According to her statement, the group set the elderly woman on fire and had made arrangements to dispose of the body before police arrived.
The authorities are now focused on apprehending Igwe, the primary suspect in the case, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. A massive manhunt is underway, and investigators are piecing together the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. Police confirmed that the body of the victim has been transferred to the morgue for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, while further inquiries are being conducted to uncover the motive behind the horrifying crime.
SP Ikenga emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Efforts are ongoing to track down Ifeanyi Igwe, and the investigation continues to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic loss.”
In an official statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, called for calm within the community, acknowledging the emotional toll the crime has had on the people of Abagana. He also ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
“The case is under close investigation, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves,” Ikenga added.
In a separate incident, the Anambra State Police also reported a successful operation by the Anti-Cult Unit, who arrested a 25-year-old suspected cultist, Maduka Okoye, on Saturday in Enugwu Ukwu, following credible intelligence. Okoye, a member of the notorious ‘Baggars Confraternity,’ was apprehended after being linked to a shooting in the Ezichike Community of Abagana.
Okoye confessed to being involved in a violent altercation with members of a rival group, the ‘Axe Men Confraternity.’ The shooting, which occurred at a local beer parlour, left several individuals at risk, though the police quickly restored order in the area.
Authorities seized three expended cartridges from the scene, and Okoye is now assisting police in identifying and locating other members of both cult groups involved in the attack.
SP Ikenga reiterated the police’s dedication to ensuring peace and safety in Anambra State, urging residents to come forward with any information that could aid in ongoing investigations.
“The police will not tolerate such lawlessness. We remain committed to restoring peace and security throughout the state, and we encourage the public to continue to work with us in identifying criminals who threaten the well-being of our communities,” he concluded.
As the investigation into the shocking murder continues, the residents of Abagana remain on edge, grappling with the senseless loss of a defenseless elderly woman, while the search for the prime suspect in the case intensifies. The police are urging the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement in maintaining peace.
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