Shock and sorrow have taken over Amangwo Umuigu community in Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, following the gruesome discovery of the decapitated and decomposing body of a young resident. The victim, 25-year-old Solomon Ikoku, who was abducted over a month ago, was found dead in a horrific state, sparking widespread anger and demands for justice.
The Abduction and a Month-Long Search
Solomon Ikoku was reportedly forcibly taken from his family home around 5 am on September 27, 2025. The incident occurred during the community's New Yam Festival, known as Iriji. Eyewitness accounts state that armed men, alleged to be from a local vigilante group, invaded the house, subjected Ikoku to a severe beating, and dragged him away to an unknown location.
After weeks of fruitless searching, local youths initiated a renewed operation on October 27, 2025. Their determined efforts led them to a shallow stream situated between Amangwo Umuigu and a neighbouring community, where they discovered Solomon's mutilated remains. Further searches in a nearby bush led to the recovery of other body parts, including a leg.
A youth volunteer involved in the search, who spoke anonymously, described the traumatic find. "We found his bones and the same clothes he wore that morning," the volunteer said, highlighting the devastating impact on the search team.
Allegations, Denials, and Community Tensions
The discovery has ignited fury among residents, who have pointed fingers at a vigilante group they claim is loyal to the community's traditional ruler, Eze Larry Agwu. They accuse this group of carrying out both the abduction and the murder.
However, Eze Larry Agwu has strongly denied any involvement. In a statement, he described the allegations as false and politically motivated, linking them to an ongoing kingship tussle within the community. "It is my people who are writing those things. We are having an eze tussle problem, and those behind it are trying to frame me," the monarch asserted.
Agwu provided a different narrative, stating that the now-disbanded vigilante group acted independently. He claimed the group informed him they were called by the victim's sister in the early hours of the day, alleging that Solomon had threatened their mother with a knife. "The vigilante group said they went there because they feared he could harm her," Agwu explained.
Contradicting this, the deceased's brother, Victor Ikoku, alleged the attack was premeditated. "They burnt his body and took his head. The vigilante came to arrest him for nothing," he claimed. He also denied that his sister had summoned the vigilante group.
Police Investigation and Community Leadership Claims
The community chairman, Munachi Onwuchekwa, confirmed that the victim was taken by members of the vigilante group. He clarified that this group was not officially recognized by the broader community but operated under the authority of the traditional ruler. "This young man was taken by the self-styled vigilante group organised by the king, not by the community," Onwuchekwa stated.
He further revealed that the community had disbanded the same vigilante group about four years ago due to misconduct, but alleged that the king continued to fund and support its activities. "I went to the king more than 10 times to complain about the group's behaviour, but he refused to dissolve them," the chairman added.
The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six members of the vigilante group, while several others are still at large. The police have listed the alleged suspects, who include Alozie Eluwa, Stanley Okutuo, Godwin Kanu, and others.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case. Eze Agwu confirmed that following police directives, a further search was conducted, leading to the recovery of a leg bone, which has been taken to a mortuary.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, has appealed for patience from the public, assuring that a thorough investigation is underway. She cautioned against attempts to pressure the investigation through media sensationalism. "Investigation is not done in a day or two. It takes time. This is an offence that needs proper investigation," Chinaka stated.
