78-year-old man killed by suspected thugs in Ebonyi community buried

By Jeff Agbodo

ABAKALIKI — Chief Johnson Okoro Obasi, a 78-year-old man murdered in Ekoli community, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been laid to rest. Obasi was reportedly attacked on June 1, 2025, during a crisis between rival groups in the area, which also resulted in other fatalities and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

An autopsy conducted on his body revealed that Obasi died from internal bleeding and bruises sustained during the attack. He was buried at his home over the weekend, in a ceremony marked by tears and tributes from family and community members.

Paying tribute, his nephew, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, lamented Obasi’s untimely death and urged justice for the killing. Chima, a former House of Assembly member and local government chairman, said the deceased’s life was cut short despite family longevity, as some relatives have lived beyond 100 years.

“Your years on earth were brutally cut short by agents of darkness, even though you came from a family known for long life—the ‘Ibe Eze Nta Aja’ lineage,” Chima said. He described Obasi as a man blessed with good looks, strength, health, a sound mind, procreation, family life, and vision.

Traditional rulers of the community also expressed grief over the killing. Etta Egor Akanu alleged that some suspects previously arrested for violent acts in the community had been released, causing unrest.

“Politicians sent their thugs to attack Okoro Obasi, and he died as a result. These people are terrorizing our community, and government must stop releasing them. Peace recommendations made during meetings with Governor Francis Nwifuru have not been implemented, and harassment continues,” he said.

Another ruler, Thomas Ama, called for the immediate implementation of all peace recommendations to restore normalcy. He also raised concerns about groups still carrying arms despite directives to disarm.

The community continues to mourn Obasi’s death while calling for urgent action to ensure security and justice for victims of violence in the area.

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