Tragedy as pastor allegedly kills 4 siblings in Enugu

A wave of shock and grief has swept through Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the gruesome murder of four siblings by a self-proclaimed spiritualist.

The victims Kamsiyochukwu Ezema (7), Ezinne Ezema (6), Ujunwa Ezema (5), and Chinedu Ezema (2) were reportedly bludgeoned to death with a pestle by a pastor said to be affiliated with a Sabbath church in the community.

While the motive behind the horrific act remains unclear, residents are reeling from the trauma of the loss, and local authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. Police say efforts are ongoing to ensure that the perpetrator and any accomplices are brought to justice.

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Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Mr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, described the incident as a painful and disturbing event for the community.

“Our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka,” he said during a visit to the bereaved family on Saturday. He extended his condolences and assured them of the government’s commitment to justice.

Ukwueze visited the scene of the crime with officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies. According to him, some key suspects have already been apprehended, while others remain at large.

“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 said.

The premises where the killings took place reportedly used for unlicensed herbal practices and spiritual activities have been sealed off on the orders of the council.

“We are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring that justice is served,” Ukwueze stated.

The children’s parents, Mr. Chinonso Ezema and Mrs. Loveth Ezema, who were not home at the time of the incident, have called for a full investigation.

“We want the police to thoroughly investigate this and ensure the culprit is brought to book,” Mr. Ezema said.

As the community continues to mourn, local authorities have promised increased collaboration with security agencies to enhance surveillance and prevent future incidents.

Efforts to reach the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to phone calls or text messages seeking comments on the case.