Pastor under arrest over death of four siblings; more suspects nabbed, other accomplices are on the run
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A white garment church pastor has been arrested by the police over the death of four siblings in Igbo Eze South Council of Enugu, as confirmed by council Chairman Ferdinand Ukwueze.
Ukwueze could not name the suspect, who is said to be a member of the Sabbath Church in the community.
Kamsiyochukwu Ezema (7), Ezinne Ezema (4), Ujunwa Ezema (5), and Chinedu Ezema (2), were allegedly murdered with a pestle by the pastor alongside other accomplices now on the run.
Local sources, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the motives for the murders are not yet clear as the police are still conducting investigation.
However, The PUNCH reports that Ukwueze visited the family of the children and the scene of the crime, where he vowed that justice must be served and ordered the crime scene sealed immediately.
“Our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area,” Ukwueze said.
“I am deeply saddened by this act of senseless violence and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims.
“Today, I visited the crime scene in the company of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, the civil defence and other relevant security operatives to assess the situation firsthand and to ensure that immediate steps are taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Following preliminary investigations, law enforcement agencies have apprehended some key suspects in connection with the crime, while still searching for others yet at large.
“Additionally, the premises reasonably believed as alleged to be used for unauthorised herbal medicine operations, rendering of informal psychiatric services and other yet-to-be fully explained spiritual activities, alleged to be linked to the prime suspects and the crime scene have been sealed by the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Authority pending the outcome of the investigation report by the police.
“I wish to assure the people of Igbo-Eze South that we will continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, enhance community safety, and prevent such grievous incidents from recurring.
“We ask for the continued cooperation of law-abiding members of the public, the civil society organisations, as we urge anyone with relevant security information to exercise the liberty of assisting law enforcement authorities with same, as confidentiality is always guaranteed.”
The parents of the children, Chinonso Ezema and his wife, said: “We want the police to thoroughly investigate this and ensure the culprit is brought to book.”
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