The people of Umunkpumente kindred in Ihie Autonomous Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, who were attacked while holding a meeting, have called on Governor Francis Nwifuru, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks.

The victims said the latest incident is linked to the killing of Late Fabian Okonkwo, who was allegedly murdered in his home on 16 April 2026 after receiving threats from some members of the community.

They explained that tensions began after members of the community wrote a petition to the state governor and police authorities, requesting an investigation into Okonkwo’s killing and the arrest of those responsible.

According to the Chairman of Umunkpumente kindred, Mr. Christopher Okonkwo, trouble escalated after Late Fabian Okonkwo had requested permission to bury his late in-law in Ekembe, Ihie Autonomous Community.

He said the request was first rejected by the President General of the town union, Chijoke Ume, who allegedly warned him against proceeding with the burial and threatened consequences if he disobeyed.

Okonkwo, however, later obtained approval from the traditional ruler, Eze Gabriel Okoro, who granted permission based on ownership of the land and agreement within the family.

Shortly after, in the early hours of 16 April, armed men reportedly stormed Fabian Okonkwo’s home and shot him multiple times in the head, killing him instantly.

Christopher Okonkwo said security officials and local authorities later took the body to the mortuary without informing the family immediately.

He added that after weeks of inaction by police authorities, the kindred petitioned the state government and police, leading to the arrest of the town union President General, Chijoke Ume, and his secretary, Kenneth Kalu.

According to him, pressure was later mounted by the local government chairman, Chief Emmanuel Aja, who urged the family to withdraw the petition and secure the release of the arrested individuals, a request the family said they rejected.

He further alleged that on 7 June, while the kindred had gathered for a meeting at late Fabian Okonkwo’s residence, over 100 youths from other kindreds stormed the venue and attacked them.

The attackers reportedly injured about 10 persons, burnt one motorcycle, damaged two others, and looted a shop belonging to Mr. Onwulandu Mbazu.

Okonkwo described the attack as part of a pattern of violence, recalling a similar incident in August 2024 that led to injuries and destruction of property in the community.

Another victim, Mr. James Ifeanyi, Financial Secretary of the kindred, accused the Youth President of Ihie Autonomous Community, Kelvin Chukwuemeka, and the Special Assistant to the Local Government Chairman, Festus Nwafor, of leading the attackers.

He alleged that the violence was aimed at stopping investigations into the murder of Late Fabian Okonkwo and urged security agencies to bring those responsible to justice.

Reacting, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, confirmed that the killing of Okonkwo had been reported to the police and that investigations were ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the town union President General and his secretary, adding that calm had been restored in the community.

She expressed concern over the renewed violence, noting that investigations into the murder case were still ongoing.

Ukandu urged residents to allow the police to conclude their investigation, stressing that anyone with concerns should report formally rather than resort to attacks.