The traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State has made a startling spiritual connection to the wave of violence plaguing his domain. Igwe Nwankwo Osuofia II has publicly stated that the brutal killings of about 20 indigenes in the last two years are linked to the non-appeasement of the spirit of his predecessor and father, the late Igwe Francis Nwankwo (Osuofia I).
A Legacy of Violence and a Spiritual Diagnosis
The late Igwe Francis Nwankwo, a towering figure both physically—renowned as Africa's Tallest Man—and socially as a prominent member of the exclusive Peoples Club of Nigeria, was assassinated on February 15, 2000. He was succeeded by his son, Chijioke Nwankwo, now Igwe Osuofia II, twenty-five years ago.
However, peace has been elusive. In a recent interview at his palace, following the murder of four persons by unknown gunmen on December 7, 2025, the monarch condoled with bereaved families and presented his belief on the root cause. He is convinced that his father's spirit remains restless, directly leading to the horrific spate of killings.
A Grisly Catalogue of Attacks
The community has endured a series of brutal attacks over a short period. The monarch recounted a chilling list of incidents that have terrorized Nawfia and its neighbours:
- The killing of five indigenes on October 8, 2024.
- The plucking of eyes of two individuals whose bodies were dumped in the community.
- The hacking to death of a pregnant woman carrying twin babies.
- The killing of five persons during the Enugwu-Ukwu face-off.
- Another killing at Agukwu-Nri.
- The recent murder of four persons in Nawfia on December 7, 2025.
This brings the grim total to approximately twenty lives lost in two years.
A Call for Unity and Rightful Action
Emphasizing the cultural values of the Nri people, who abhor bloodshed, Igwe Osuofia II stated that enemies of progress are deliberately sowing confusion and disputes a quarter-century after his father's death. He expressed a firm intention to unite the town, address the underlying issues, and take the right actions to restore lasting peace and stability.
The monarch's primary focus is on moving the community forward, honouring his father's memory through reconciliation and collective progress rather than continued violence. He urged all stakeholders to embrace unity as the only path to achieving the peace Nawfia desperately needs.
