Ogona Anita
The Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State has expressed deep outrage over the shocking and tragic murder of four children allegedly carried out by a pastor in Ibagwa-Aka, a community in the council area.
“Towards the evening hours of yesterday, the 16th day of May, 2025, our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area,” the chairman stated. “I am deeply saddened by this act of senseless violence and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims
He confirmed that he personally visited the crime scene on May 17, accompanied by security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant operatives.
“Today, I visited the crime scene in the company of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, the Civil Defence and other relevant security operatives to assess the situation firsthand and to ensure that immediate steps are taken to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
According to him, preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies have led to the arrest of several key suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others who remain at large. He revealed that a facility alleged to have been used for illegal herbal medicine practices, unlicensed psychiatric services, and other spiritual activities believed to be linked to the suspects has been shut down.
“Following preliminary investigations, law enforcement agencies have apprehended some key suspects in connection with the crime, while still searching for others yet at large,” he noted. “Additionally, the premises reasonably believed, as alleged to be used for unauthorized herbal medicine operations, rendering of informal psychiatric services and other yet-to-be fully explained spiritual activities, alleged to be linked to the prime suspects and the crime scene have been sealed by the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Authority pending the outcome of investigation report by the Police.”
The Chairman at the scene
The chairman pledged the local government’s full support for the ongoing investigation and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that justice is done.
“We are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring that justice is served,” he said. “I wish to assure the people of Igbo-Eze South that we will continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, enhance community safety, and prevent such grievous incidents from recurring.”
He concluded with an appeal to residents and civil society organisations for continued cooperation and support for security agencies.
“We ask for the continued cooperation of law abiding members of the public, civil society organisations, as we urge anyone with relevant security information to exercise the liberty of assisting law enforcement authorities with the same, as confidentiality is always guaranteed,” he said.
