The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to two separate murder cases in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, describing the incidents as barbaric and deeply disturbing.
Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Sunday that both incidents occurred on Friday, May 15, in different communities within the local government area. The cases allegedly involved the killing of close family members, prompting swift intervention by police operatives.
In the first incident, operatives of the Igbo-Etiti Division reportedly responded at about 3:10 p.m. to a distress call from Nkporogwu Ukehe community. Ndukwe said 40-year-old Onyebuchi Anikwe allegedly attacked his 60-year-old mother, Felicia Anikwe, with a cutlass. Some local reports said the victim was beheaded.
Police said officers secured the scene, recovered the victim’s remains and moved them to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead before being deposited in the mortuary. The suspect was reportedly rescued from an angry mob that had severely assaulted him before police took him into custody for treatment and further investigation.
In the second incident, operatives of the Distress Response Squad responded at about 3:18 p.m. to a report from Agu-Ekwegbe community, also in Igbo-Etiti LGA. Ndukwe said one Joshua Eze allegedly killed his sister, Nwabuche Eze, and her little daughter, identified in some reports as Favour Eze.
Police said the victims’ bodies were recovered and taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed them dead before their remains were deposited in the mortuary. Investigators said preliminary findings suggested that the victims had been buried in a shallow grave, while a dead white cock was recovered from the scene, raising suspicion of possible ritual motives.
The suspect, Joshua Eze, was also rescued from an angry mob in critical condition but later died in hospital while receiving emergency treatment.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, condemned the killings and directed detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into both cases.
He urged residents to avoid jungle justice and report suspects through lawful channels, stressing that criminal allegations must be handled by security agencies and the courts.
