Residents of Umuigu community in Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, are reeling in shock and anger after the mutilated and headless remains of 25-year-old Solomon Ikoku, who was abducted over a month ago, were discovered in a shallow stream.
Ikoku was forcibly taken from his family home around 5 a.m. on September 27, 2025 — the day of the community’s New Yam Festival (Iriji). Eyewitnesses said armed men claiming to be members of a local vigilante group stormed the house, severely beat him, and dragged him away.
After weeks of fruitless searches, local youths relaunched a determined operation on October 27. Their efforts led to the gruesome discovery of Ikoku’s decomposing, headless body in a stream between Amangwo Umuigu and a neighbouring community. A severed leg bone was later found in nearby bush.
A youth volunteer who participated in the search, speaking anonymously, told journalists:
“We found his bones and the same clothes he was wearing that morning. We are devastated.”
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with residents openly accusing members of a vigilante group allegedly loyal to the community’s traditional ruler, Eze Larry Agwu, of abducting and murdering the young man.
Eze Agwu has strongly denied any involvement, calling the allegations “false and politically motivated” and blaming them on an ongoing kingship tussle in the community.
Speaking to Newsmen, the monarch said he only learned of the disappearance several days after the festival. He claimed the vigilante group told him they were invited by Ikoku’s own sister after the deceased allegedly threatened their mother with a knife and took her ATM card.
“The vigilante group was inaugurated by the then council chairman, village head, myself, and the police. No single person controls or can disband them alone,” Eze Agwu said, insisting he never ordered any attack.
The deceased’s brother, Victor Ikoku, rejected the monarch’s account, insisting the attack was premeditated and that no sister called the vigilantes.
“They burnt his body and took his head. The vigilante came to arrest him for nothing,” Victor alleged.
Community Chairman Munachi Onwuchekwa corroborated that the young man was taken by the vigilante group, which he described as a “self-styled” outfit organised and funded by the traditional ruler despite having been disbanded by the community four years ago over misconduct.
“I went to the king more than ten times to complain about their behaviour, but he refused to dissolve them,” Onwuchekwa said.
Police sources confirmed that six members of the vigilante group have been arrested, while several others are still at large. Those named as suspects include Alozie Eluwa, Stanley Okutuo, Godwin Kanu, Maduabuchi Enyinnaya, Godwin Sampson, Emeka Nwagboso, Ikechi Hope, Michael Benson (aka ‘Tallest’), Chief Chituru Oti Ofo, Chichetaram Azuoru (aka ‘Aboy’), Chikeka Nwosu, Eze Promise Chimobi, and Basil Okoro.
The Abia State Police Command has taken over the investigation through its Criminal Investigation Department. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, appealed for calm and patience, stressing that the case requires thorough investigation.
“Investigation is not done in a day or two. It takes time. This is a serious offence that needs proper handling,” she said, adding that media pressure would not hasten or influence the process.
The discovery has deepened tension in Umuigu, with residents demanding justice and the immediate dismantling of the controversial vigilante group.
