The Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State has expressed profound outrage over the alleged killing of four siblings by a pastor in Ibagwa-Aka, a community within the council area.
In a statement issued on May 18, 2025, the chairman described the incident as a “tragic and heinous act of senseless violence” and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“Towards the evening hours of yesterday, the 16th day of May, 2025, our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area. I am deeply saddened by this act and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims,” the chairman said.
He disclosed that he personally visited the crime scene on May 17, accompanied by operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant agencies to assess the situation firsthand.
“I visited the crime scene with security operatives to ensure that immediate and necessary actions are taken to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he affirmed.
Preliminary investigations, according to the chairman, led to the arrest of key suspects, while others remain at large. A facility allegedly linked to the suspects—used for illegal herbal medicine, unlicensed psychiatric practices, and dubious spiritual activities—has also been sealed by the local government authority.
“The premises reasonably believed to be used for unauthorized herbal medicine operations, informal psychiatric services, and other unexplained spiritual activities have been sealed pending the outcome of the police investigation,” he added.
The chairman pledged his administration’s full support for the ongoing investigation and assured the people of Igbo-Eze South of enhanced collaboration with security agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“We are committed to supporting the investigation and ensuring that justice is served. Our administration will continue working with security agencies to strengthen surveillance and promote community safety,” he stated.
He concluded by appealing for public cooperation:
“We urge all law-abiding citizens and civil society organisations to continue supporting security agencies. Anyone with useful information should come forward, with the assurance that confidentiality is guaranteed.”
