Police Confirm Two Gruesome Family Murders Within Hours in Enugu

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