Nkechinyere Ewa
A tragic incident on Sunday morning shattered the festive mood in Amangbala, Ohaisu community of Afikpo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, leaving one man dead.
The victim, simply identified as Peter, was killed following a disagreement with a villager known as Daniel, during preparations for the community’s revered Iko Ohaisu festival.
According to residents, the suspect stormed the Ogo Amaokwu-Amangbala chamber at about 1 a.m., where youths were putting finishing touches to their festival costumes. He allegedly began demanding a ₦1,000 levy from those present, insisting the chamber had been cleaned by him and his associates.
A community member, Oyim Chukwuemeka, said the confrontation turned violent when Peter explained that he had no money on him.
“Instead of listening, the suspect attacked him with a broken bottle, cutting him deeply before fleeing the scene,” he said.
Peter was rushed to Maranatha Hospital, but the injuries proved fatal. Residents said he had already lost too much blood before help arrived.
The suspect was later apprehended by angry youths and handed over to security operatives.
Oyim noted that the killing dampened the celebrations and triggered tension in the community, as police officers began making arrests in connection with the incident.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said, “The incident has been reported and the suspect is currently in our custody.”