A widow in Isuaniocha, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has called on Governor Charles Soludo and security agencies to intervene in what she describes as a long-standing case of injustice following the alleged murder of her husband, Mr. Angus Okoye. She alleges that her husband was abducted and killed by a gang reportedly linked to a prominent figure in the community, Anthony Onyeagolu, amid the ongoing crisis in the area.
According to the widow, Mrs. Sylvia Okoye, the tragic ordeal began on November 17, 2018, when a group of armed men stormed their home in Ifite-Isuaniocha, reportedly led by one Ifeanyi Anizoba, alias Ichafu, alongside Ebuka Amodoo, alias Mutum, Moses Emebo, and others. The attackers allegedly searched for her husband, who was away at a community meeting, before destroying property, seizing mobile phones, and inflicting injuries on residents.
“The next day, they came again in a deadly manner, completely destroying our house by breaking all the window glasses and available properties at reach,” Mrs. Sylvia Okoye recounted. “Shortly after, we heard the shocking news of the purported murder of one Chidiebele Okoye at Ifite-Isu junction.”
Fearing for their safety, her husband reportedly went into hiding after receiving threats. Mrs. Sylvia Okoye said she and her children were forced to relocate to Lagos following the escalating violence in the community.
However, on December 15, 2018, a fateful day she describes as her “greatest trauma,” her husband returned to the village to pick up baby delivery items and to see her. That night, she received a distress call from him, informing her that he was locked out of the compound where she was staying and asking her to meet him at their damaged home.
“As I was approaching, I noticed a shuttle bus parked outside the gate with internal movements. I hid by a dwarf wall across the road,” Mrs. Sylvia Okoye narrated. “Moments later, I saw my husband being marched by Ifeanyi Anizoba towards his Honda Pilot, his eyes covered with a white cloth that turned out to be his pant. A young boy living with us, who had earlier connected with my husband, managed to escape by jumping over a wall.”
The widow alleged that her husband was driven away toward Otoko village, the home of Anthony Onyeagolu and some of the suspects. By the next morning, December 16, his lifeless body was reportedly discovered in Otoko village/Nawgu community by a patrol team from Dunukofia Police Station.
Since then, she claims, efforts to obtain justice have been repeatedly frustrated due to the influence and connections of those allegedly responsible. “My husband was under police investigation in the mortuary for over three years, from 2018 to 2021,” she lamented. “It was not until January 20, 2020, that Anthony Onyeagolu was reportedly arrested by an officer who allegedly refused a ransom to compromise the case.”
The widow further alleged that individuals advocating for justice have been targeted, with youth leaders in the community reportedly facing false charges and arrests. Meanwhile, she claims, the suspects continue to walk free, allegedly causing further harm in the community.
Appealing to Governor Soludo, security agencies, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, she urged a thorough review of the crisis and called for assistance in raising her children. “I am pleading for justice—not just for my late husband, but for all victims of this crisis,” Mrs. Sylvia Okoye said.
She also called on Agunechemba security under Mr. Ken Emeakayi to examine the facts of the case, emphasizing that the perpetrators should not be shielded based on their social status.
The Isuaniocha community has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent years, with various factions accusing each other of orchestrating attacks. As calls for justice grow louder, residents await government intervention to bring lasting peace to the troubled area.
Daily News Reporters will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as events unfold.
