Police Confirm Two Gruesome Family Murders Within Hours in Enugu

ENUGU— Residents of Ukehe and Agu-Ekwegbe communities in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State have been thrown into shock and mourning following two gruesome murder incidents involving family members. The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that the incidents occurred on May 15, 2026, and involved alleged beheadings carried out by two male suspects, leaving three women—two mothers and a young daughter—dead.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the first incident occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. in the Nkporogwu Ukehe community. A 40-year-old man, Anikwe Onyebuchi, allegedly used a cutlass to behead his 60-year-old mother, Anikwe Felicia. Operatives from the Igbo-Etiti Police Division responded to a distress report and recovered the corpse alongside the severed head. Medical personnel confirmed the woman dead, and her remains were deposited in a mortuary for preservation and possible autopsy.

Local sources revealed that the tragic attack followed a dispute over food. According to accounts from the community, Onyebuchi had returned home and demanded a meal, but his mother was unable to provide one at that moment. The argument escalated, and the suspect allegedly picked up a cutlass and killed her. A viral video circulating on social media reportedly shows the victim’s lifeless body in a pool of her own blood, while an angry mob descended on the suspect.

Further investigation revealed a more disturbing history: Onyebuchi, described as a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had allegedly been battling psychiatric challenges for some time. A villager told reporters, “But you will never know he’s having any psychiatric problems when you see him within the village. He behaved normally most times but charges at the family members like a mad dog.” The source further disclosed that he had in the past allegedly stabbed and killed his brother, Kingsley Anikwe, in a separate incident that heightened fears among residents over his mental condition. The suspect was severely beaten by an angry mob before police arrived. Officers rescued him in critical condition, and he was taken to a hospital for medical treatment before being rearrested and detained as investigations continue.

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Barely eight minutes later, at approximately 3:18 p.m., tragedy struck again in the Agu-Ekwegbe community, also within Igbo-Etiti LGA. Operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad stationed at Ekwegbe Junction along the Ugwuagu/Opi/Nsukka Road responded to a distress call alleging that one Joshua Eze had used a cutlass to sever the heads of his sister, Nwabuche Eze, and her young daughter, Favour Eze. Police responded swiftly, recovering the remains of both victims. Medical personnel confirmed them dead, and their corpses were deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

However, preliminary investigations into the second incident revealed chilling details pointing to possible ritual motives. Police disclosed that after allegedly murdering the victims, Joshua Eze buried their remains in a shallow grave alongside a dead white cock—an act that strongly suggests ritualistic intentions. As in the first incident, an angry mob descended on the suspect before police could arrive. Joshua Eze was rescued in critical condition and rushed to a hospital, but he later died while receiving emergency treatment. His corpse was also deposited in the mortuary.

Reacting to the two horrific incidents, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric.” He has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to immediately commence comprehensive investigations to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding both incidents. The police commissioner also used the opportunity to urge residents of the state to refrain from taking the law into their own hands through jungle justice, regardless of the provocation. He advised citizens to report criminal suspects to the police or other lawful authorities for appropriate action.

Police Confirm Two Gruesome Family Murders Within Hours in Enugu

Oyo School Attacks: Afenifere Urges South-West Govs To Tighten Security

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged governors in the South-West to strengthen security measures across the region following the recent Oyo school attacks in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected terrorists and bandits killed a teacher and abducted several others.

The appeal comes after coordinated attacks on three schools in the area, which have heightened concerns over rising insecurity in South-West Nigeria and the growing vulnerability of rural communities, schools and highways.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group said its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was deeply saddened by the incident, noting that it occurred during the same week he celebrated his 100th birthday.

Afenifere said Fasoranti expressed sympathy with the victims and their families and prayed for the safe return of those abducted as well as the recovery of those injured.

The organisation stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the core responsibility of government, urging state authorities to take more proactive steps to prevent further attacks.

According to Afenifere, repeated incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and armed attacks in rural communities show the need for stronger coordination among South-West states and improved deployment of security resources.

The group called on governors in the region to prioritise community security, enhance intelligence gathering, and ensure better coordination between formal security agencies and local security outfits such as the Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes.

It warned that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal groups, especially amid concerns that armed elements displaced from other parts of the country are increasingly shifting operations towards the South-West.

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Afenifere also commended the swift response of the Inspector-General of Police, noting that security agencies acted quickly by visiting the affected communities and launching intensified operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.

The group described the establishment and deployment of specialised police response units as a positive step, expressing hope that such measures would help curb violent crimes, school kidnappings, and rural attacks across the region.

While acknowledging that national security remains the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government, Afenifere maintained that state governments must also maximise their resources and political authority to secure their territories.

The organisation further urged governors to move beyond periodic security meetings and adopt sustained, intelligence-driven strategies capable of preventing attacks rather than merely reacting to them.

It recommended increased investment in surveillance systems, improved monitoring of forest corridors, and stronger inter-state collaboration to track and neutralise criminal movements across boundaries.

Afenifere also extended condolences to victims of the Oyo attacks and called on residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

The group warned that continued attacks on schools and rural settlements could disrupt education, displace communities, and worsen fear among residents if urgent steps are not taken.

The recent Oyo incident has continued to draw national attention, with stakeholders calling for urgent reforms in school security, rural protection strategies, and inter-agency coordination across Nigeria.

Oyo School Attacks: Afenifere Urges South-West Govs To Tighten Security

Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has intensified rescue operations following the abduction of seven teachers during a deadly attack by suspected terrorists and bandits on two schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The attack, which targeted Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, has triggered widespread fear and outrage across Oyo State, with security agencies now carrying out coordinated operations to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.

Speaking during a late-night security briefing in Ibadan after a high-level meeting with security chiefs, Makinde confirmed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed by the gunmen.

“Unfortunately, we received a video this morning indicating that one of the teachers, a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” the governor said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.”

Makinde disclosed that seven teachers were confirmed abducted during the attack, while authorities were still trying to determine the exact number of missing pupils because of the confusion that followed the invasion of the schools.

“We don’t have any accurate number right now because when the incident happened, students, parents and guardians moved in different directions,” he explained.

“Until we reopen the schools and verify the registers, we cannot provide a precise number.”

The governor announced that the state government had launched an expanded joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and intelligence agencies.

According to him, the operation is focused on rescuing the victims, dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring security across vulnerable communities in Oriire and surrounding areas.

Makinde revealed that some security operatives were injured during rescue operations after encountering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the attackers.

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“One of the Amotekun operatives is currently in critical condition, while soldiers, hunters and other operatives sustained injuries during the operation,” he said.

“The government will take full responsibility for their treatment and recovery.”

The governor stressed that the rescue effort remained highly delicate and required strategic coordination to avoid putting the abducted victims at greater risk.

“This is a difficult and painful situation. There are no quick fixes, but we will continue to push ourselves to the limit to ensure that our children are brought back safely,” he added.

Makinde also announced that the Oyo State Government would begin daily press briefings to keep residents informed about developments in the rescue mission and security operations.

In a major breakthrough, the governor disclosed that security agencies had arrested several suspects linked to the attack, including individuals accused of supplying intelligence and logistics to the gunmen.

“About six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them are believed to be informants or persons providing logistical support to the terrorists,” he stated.

“Three other persons of interest have also been arrested by another security outfit within the state.”

Security sources said the suspects were picked up during coordinated raids carried out in nearby communities following intelligence gathering by local vigilantes and security operatives.

Makinde warned that increased military offensives against terrorists and bandits in Nigeria’s North-West and North-East were forcing criminal groups to migrate towards southern states, including parts of the South-West.

“With increased pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East, they will continue to move southwards,” he warned.

“We must be prepared to neutralise or contain that pressure.”

The governor disclosed that Oyo State had already strengthened collaboration with neighbouring states and regional security outfits to improve intelligence sharing and coordinated responses against emerging security threats.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upgrading the state’s security architecture around vulnerable areas such as schools, highways, factories and farming communities.

“We just have to keep pushing and retooling our security architecture to focus on vulnerable points — whether schools, factories, or people travelling from one place to another,” Makinde stated.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reportedly ordered the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence teams to support the ongoing rescue operations in the affected communities.

The governor appealed to residents, community leaders and religious organisations, especially the Baptist Convention, to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.

“One of the affected schools is a Baptist school, and I want to appeal to the Baptist Convention and all residents not to panic,” Makinde said.

“We are doing everything within our power to ensure this situation is resolved quickly and safely.”

He added that while the government would continue to provide regular updates to the public, sensitive operational details capable of compromising rescue efforts would remain confidential.

The latest school attack has renewed concerns about rising insecurity in parts of Oyo State and the South-West, with civil society groups and education stakeholders demanding stronger protection for schools and rural communities.

Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction