A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday night in Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, where a family of four was brutally murdered in their home by unknown gunmen.
The victims included three women and one elderly man identified as Ichie Kennedy Igboanugo, a respected elder from Ekwuru Isseke and known locally as Ichie Akuruoulo 1 of Isseke. The assailants reportedly invaded their apartment while the family was asleep, killed them, and left their lifeless bodies scattered across the rooms.
Eyewitnesses in the area described the attack as unprovoked and shocking, with no clear motive for the violence. Residents remain fearful as the identity and reasons behind the gunmen’s actions are yet unknown.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the state’s joint security forces have cordoned off the area to prevent further unrest and to maintain peace. The bodies of the victims have been recovered and taken to the mortuary as investigations proceed.
SP Ikenga said, “Following joint operations by the police, military, and other security agencies to flush out criminal elements in the state, we regret to report the cowardly murder of a family of four at Isseke, Ihiala LGA. The victims include three females and one elderly man.”
He added that the police are working hard to track down those responsible for the attack. “We are currently following up on leads and will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he assured.
The Anambra Police also extended their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, sympathizing with the community that has been deeply affected by the brutal killing.
This attack is the latest in a series of security challenges facing Anambra State, which has seen increasing cases of violent crimes including kidnappings, armed robberies, and cult-related violence in recent years. The state government and security agencies have been intensifying efforts to curb the rising insecurity, but incidents like this continue to cause fear among residents.
Community leaders and local groups have called on the government to step up security measures and provide better protection for vulnerable areas such as Isseke.
The investigation into the killings is ongoing, and authorities have promised to update the public as new information becomes available.
As residents mourn the loss of the Igboanugo family, many hope that justice will be served swiftly to bring peace back to their community.
