Tension, fear and anxiety have gripped Umuonyeashi, Nsokpo Ogbaku community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, since last weekend, following the stabbing to death of Chigozie Anumwee, by one Jasper, a suspected cultist over a minor quarrel.
According to an eye witness, Mr. Chinedu Olumba, he said that Jasper who hails from Amakohia Ubi in Owerri West LGA but lives in his maternal home, was allegedly stoned to death by angry mob after reportedly stabbing Anumwee to death.
Olumba informed that the tragedy occurred at about 11am on Friday at Umuonyeashi, Nsokpo Ogbaku, and the people of the community retaliated almost immediately and stoned Jasper to death.
The source authoritatively informed that Jasper stabbed the deceased from Lawa in Isi-Ogbaku autonomous community in the lower abdomen following a minor quarrel that ensued between them.
He pointed out that the young man attempted to run but was apprehended by the mob when they realized the victim had died, beating him and stoning him to death.
Confirming the incident, the Secretary of Ogbaku Youth Association, Justice Chukwunatu Nwafor, said the matter had been reported to the police at Ogbaku Police Division and that normalcy has been restored in the area.
He described the incident as “the hight of barbarism at this time and age”.
When reached, Henry Okoye, spokesman for the Imo State Police Command, said that he had not yet received a briefing on the matter, promising to inform our correspondent once briefed.
