In what appears to be a deepening security and leadership crisis in Isuaniocha, Awka North LGA of Anambra State, a man identified as Mr. Chukwuma Onyibor has shared a harrowing account of how he narrowly escaped death in an attack he linked to individuals allegedly loyal to the former President-General of the community, Anthony Onyeagolu.
“Hear my life story as a living victim,” Onyibor began in an emotional tone.
“On 7/12/24 at about 7:05pm, I drove through White House to Aku Cuisine to get food. Just about 10 minutes after, a black Mercedes Benz drove towards my route. Tony Onyeagolu and some other unknown faces came down from the vehicle and surrounded a viewing center opposite the restaurant that I was buying food from, believing I was inside the centre.”
“Before I could raise my face up, a black Sienna vehicle with the two doors open parked beside my car. Immediately, Nnaemeka Ezeje came down from the driver’s seat, Emeka Maduka, Ifechukwu Okonkwo, Obiadi Okafor with some other unknown faces came down as well. They walked towards where I was standing with food in my hand trying to do transfer to Aku Cuisine.”
“When I noticed the speedy approach, it dawned on me that there was danger. I swiftly took cover before Emeka Maduka, the heartless squad leader like the boss, shouted, ‘shoot him severally.’ All I was hearing was gunshots everywhere, and they aimed at my two legs while I was running.”
“It was with the help of one Igala bike man that I escaped to the hospital at Mgbakwu where I became unconscious, not knowing where I was again. I had already lost so much blood on the way. I found myself in another hospital at Awka when I regained consciousness the next day to commence proper treatment on the legs already shattered with bullets.”
Chukwuma is not alone in this ordeal. Other community members have also reportedly fallen victim to similar attacks.
Maduabuchi Ementa, another survivor, claimed he was attacked on 12/6/24 after refusing to pledge allegiance to Anthony Onyeagolu and his group. According to him, during a village gathering in Otoko, he was confronted by Onyeagolu, Emeka Maduka, and several others who ordered him to follow them to the “White House.” When he declined, he said Maduka instructed the armed men to shoot him in the legs. He is currently receiving treatment and using a wheelchair.
Chief Chukwujekwu Okoye, elder brother to another victim, narrated that he was targeted on 8/1/25. According to him, as he drove through Ifite-Isu junction near the “White House,” his vehicle was sprayed with bullets allegedly on Maduka’s command. “My Sienna was baptized with bullets, but I still can’t explain how I managed to jump out and escape death,” he said.
Chukwuma Onyibor further alleged that the violence in Isuaniocha escalated after Anthony Onyeagolu assumed the position of President-General in late 2017. According to him:
“Since Anthony Onyeagolu became PG in late 2017, Isuaniocha has not known peace till date. So many youths have been sent to their early graves without recourse.”
He recalled several names of deceased and maimed community members, stating:
1. Late Angus Okoye, deputy youth leader, was reportedly murdered just before testifying in an EFCC petition regarding an alleged N100 million embezzlement of public funds involving Anthony Onyeagolu.
2. Late Sunday Okafor, a tenant from Umumbo, was reportedly shot dead in a case of mistaken identity on 16/4/22. He was said to have been mistaken for Onyemazi Ngini’s son.
3. Late Hon. Vincent Nwokolo, former Vice President-General from Otoko village, was reportedly poisoned by political loyalists and died on 16/10/21.
4. Late Officer Christian C. Okoh, a DSS operative, was reportedly shot dead on 16/9/23. Reports link the incident to an operation involving the armed group allegedly loyal to Onyeagolu.
Other individuals left with permanent injuries include:
- Chidiebele Okoye, who was shot on 18/11/18 allegedly for advising against disrespecting elders at a meeting. He reportedly survived but remains on crutches.
- Two DSS officers said to be limping with crutches following confrontations in the area.
Onyibor also noted:
“There are many others still receiving treatment. We now have something like a crutches and wheelchair association in Isuaniocha — courtesy of the wickedness of Anthony Onyeagolu’s family.”
He ended with a passionate appeal to the state government:
“I hereby appeal to Mr. Governor in his infinite mercy to save Isuaniocha community from the hands of the ruthless Onyeagolu family, to avoid more youths dying untimely or ending up in crutches. We have had enough from them unchallenged due to the influence of their blood money.”
The reported incidents continue to spark tension in the community, with many calling on security agencies and the state government to act swiftly before more lives are lost.
DISCLAIMER: This report contains testimonies and personal accounts as narrated by the individuals involved, especially Mr. Chukwuma Onyibor. All other claims are reported as received and are subject to independent investigation by appropriate authorities. Daily News Reporters does not assume liability for unverifiable statements and calls for thorough investigations to establish the facts.
