In a dramatic display of anger and retribution, villagers in Ohokobe Ndume, Umuahia, Abia State, demolished the home of a murder suspect, Mr. Stephen Irobunda, on Tuesday. The 70-year-old Irobunda, who is currently held in police custody, allegedly shot and killed Bright Odizuru, a young man from the community, over a dispute related to playing football in front of his house.
Witnesses reported that the incident occurred on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the small community. In response, local youths gathered and took matters into their own hands, dismantling Irobunda’s house and throwing his property onto the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road as a form of protest and justice for their slain relative.
When journalists arrived at the scene around 10 a.m., the building had already been reduced to rubble, with villagers showing no signs of regret. Youths from the area were seen beating traditional community gongs in solidarity, while others expressed their grief and outrage over Odizuru’s tragic death.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed that the suspect is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, with Irobunda expected to face charges relating to the fatal incident.
The killing has stirred considerable tension within the community, where Odizuru’s death has left his maternal relatives and local residents devastated. As authorities continue to investigate, the residents demand justice, with many expressing distrust in the system and a desire to take justice into their own hands.
