Ebonyi: 1 killed as community festival turns sour

By Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

One person has been killed in Amangbala, Ohaisu community, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday. The deceased, identified simply as Peter, was killed following a minor disagreement with another villager known as Daniel.

The community was celebrating its most important festival, Iko Ohaisu, when the tragedy struck.

A resident, Oyim Chukwuemeka, informed the Daily Sun that the suspect stormed the revered Ogo Amaokwu-Amangbala chambers around 1am, interrupting preparations for the festival.

According to reports, he began harassing those present, demanding a levy of N1000 for the use of the Ogo for their costumes—a fee he claimed was justified since he and his colleagues had cleaned the venue.

“When he confronted the deceased, Peter, the latter politely explained he had no money and was exhausted. His plea was ignored by the suspect, who then attacked him with a bottle, inflicting a deep wound,” Oyim explained. “The suspect left immediately.”

Peter was left bleeding until locals rushed him to Maranatha Hospital, Amangbala. By then, he had lost a significant amount of blood and required transfusion. Despite medical efforts, Peter died. The suspect had already been apprehended by angry youths at that point.

Oyim added that the incident disrupted the festival and that police had been making arrests since, leaving the area in disarray.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, stating, “We are already aware of this incident and the suspect is in our custody.”