The Nwagbo family of Umuchigbo, Iji-Nike Community, Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State has expressed concern over what it characterised as subtle but determined efforts to secure the release of two individuals wanted in relation to the murders of Onyeka and Chukwudi Alum, two brothers.
The State Anti-Cult Squad detained Chibuzor Ezekiel, better known as “Osy Toucho,” and Enyinnaya Kingsley, commonly known as “Ogbogbos,” after their detention on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
When violence broke out in the community on October 29, 2025, following a protracted leadership struggle, the brothers were shot and killed.
In a Tuesday press conference in Enugu, the victim’s father, Elder John Anike Alum, stated that the family had received solid information that members of the community were putting pressure on the Enugu State Police Command to free the suspects.
It has disturbed us to hear that some people are trying to get these monsters released; they murdered my two boys brutally. How unfortunate. Grief has not yet subsided.
“My loved ones are still grieving. Actually, everyone in town is still in grief. We are aware of who is behind these actions. This is a sad development.
Justice is all that the Alum family and I are requesting. Justice shall be cries out in the blood of my boys forever. Bitrus Giwa, the commissioner of police, has our utmost attention; please, do not let this evil take place. Putting these men free is the same as murdering my boys again.
The Police Commissioner remains a man of impeccable character in my eyes. In his opinion, he will see to it that justice is done.
A leadership dispute that had previously rifted the Umuchigbo community was associated with the murders. Concerns arose following a community election on 20 February 2025, when Chief Afam Joseph Ogbene was elected chairman in what his backers deemed as an inclusive and trustworthy process.
However, a faction led by Chief Goddy Ike Ochu rejected the outcome, arguing that it was not Ogbene’s family’s turn to produce the chairman. As far as many in the community are concerned, the constitution of the group explicitly forbids any kind of rotating system, hence they reject the assertion.
Tension brewed for months before violence broke out on 29 October 2025, when hoodlums allegedly loyal to Chief Ochu attacked community members who had gone to carry out their duties on behalf of the executive. Chukwudi and Onyeka Alum, who were Chief Ogbene’s close in-laws, were killed as the argument swiftly turned into shooting.
A manhunt was initiated when the Enugu State Police Command confirmed the event. Bitrus Giwa, the commissioner of police, has directed a thorough inquiry and pleaded for calm.
Although relative peace has since returned to the community, the family said the arrest of the two suspects in February gave them hope that justice was finally within reach. They now fear that any attempt to release the suspects could reopen old wounds and destabilise a community still trying to recover from the tragedy.
The Alum family has therefore called on the Enugu State Government and the police authorities to ensure that the suspects remain in custody and are prosecuted in accordance with the law, insisting that justice for their sons must not be compromised.