The once-cordial relationship between the neighbouring communities of Orogwe and Ndegwu in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State turned violent last Wednesday following the tragic death of a vigilante officer from Ndegwu during a burial ceremony.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred at the burial of Lolo Nze Ononogbo of Umuomara Ndegwu, which had been proceeding peacefully until a minor disagreement broke out among some youths at the venue.
Two vigilante personnel — Mr. Ebere Azu (popularly known as AB-Boy) from Orogwe, and Mr. Israel Ewuzie (also known as Araka Bullet) from Ndegwu — reportedly intervened to restore calm. However, in a tragic turn of events, Azu’s gun, which was already cocked, accidentally discharged, striking his colleague Ewuzie.
Witnesses said Ewuzie sustained severe injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Orogwe. Due to his critical condition, he was referred to another medical facility, but he sadly died on the way, reportedly bleeding from the nostrils.
When news of his death reached Ndegwu later that evening, angry youths from the community mobilized and launched a retaliatory attack on Orogwe. Their first stop was the hospital where the victim had initially been treated, but upon realizing he was no longer there, they moved to the family compound of the Azus, where they reportedly vandalized and looted property after the occupants fled.
It took the swift intervention of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogbaku Police Station and his men to disperse the rampaging youths and restore calm. The visibly stern DPO declined to make comments on the incident when approached by reporters.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Tiger Base Unit have arrested Mr. Ebere Azu, who is currently being interrogated to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
In a bid to prevent further escalation, leaders and representatives from both communities have since convened a peace meeting to discuss the unfortunate development and chart a way forward.
It will be recalled that Orogwe and Ndegwu are both part of the Umunwaoha Autonomous Community, under the traditional leadership of Eze Emmanuel Ejiogu.
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