In Ohokobe Ndume, Umuahia, Abia State, a violent incident erupted on Tuesday, November 5, as angry youths demolished the residence of 70-year-old Stephen Irobunda. The outrage followed the shooting and subsequent death of 30-year-old Bright Odizuru, who was allegedly killed by Irobunda for playing football near his home on Saturday, November 2.
According to eyewitnesses, tensions began when some youths were playing football close to the suspect’s home during the state’s local government election, which had limited movement in the area. Sources from the village revealed that Irobunda had previously warned the youths to stop playing football near his residence, a warning which reportedly went unheeded. The situation escalated when the elderly man, frustrated by their disregard, attempted to deter the youths by firing a warning shot in the air with his locally-made gun.
The youths initially scattered, but soon returned to confront Irobunda, questioning his intentions with the firearm. This confrontation led to a heated argument, during which the elderly man reportedly fired a second shot, this time striking Bright Odizuru in the abdomen, leading to his tragic death.
Odizuru’s death ignited a wave of anger among the youth of Ohokobe Mbaocha, who descended upon Irobunda’s home in retribution. They destroyed his property and attempted to lynch him, only to be interrupted by the arrival of security personnel who managed to rescue the elderly man from the mob. The youths also attempted to set his house on fire but were restrained by the security agents on site.
The Abia State Police Command, through its spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident. The spokesperson stated that officers from the Ehimiri Police Station intervened to rescue the suspect, and the case is currently under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The tragic incident underscores ongoing tensions within the community and highlights the dangerous consequences of conflicts that escalate into violence.
