Members of the Umunkpumente kindred in Ihie Autonomous Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have called on Governor Francis Nwifuru, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene and ensure justice following a violent attack on their members.

The group said they were assaulted by suspected thugs while holding a community meeting at the residence of the late Fabian Okonkwo, who was previously killed in what they described as a targeted attack in April 2026 after receiving threats.

According to accounts from victims who spoke to journalists, the crisis began after members of the kindred submitted a petition to the state governor and the police, requesting an investigation into the killing of Mr. Okonkwo and the arrest of those responsible.

The Chairman of the Umunkpumente kindred, Mr. Christopher Okonkwo, explained that tensions in the community escalated following disagreements over burial arrangements for a relative of the deceased, which eventually required the intervention of the traditional ruler, who approved the burial.

He alleged that shortly after the approval, armed men invaded Mr. Fabian Okonkwo’s home in the early hours of 16 April 2026 and shot him multiple times, killing him on the spot. He added that nothing was taken from the scene, suggesting it was an assassination.

Mr. Okonkwo further stated that security officials later moved the body to the mortuary without notifying the family, and that initial police response did not provide clarity on the case.

He said the kindred later petitioned the state government, leading to the arrest of the community’s President General, Chijoke Ume, and his secretary, Kenneth Kalu, who were accused of making prior threats.

According to him, pressure was later mounted on him by local government authorities to withdraw the petition and secure the release of the arrested individuals, which he said he refused, insisting it was a collective decision of the kindred.

He also recounted that on 7 June, while the group was holding a meeting to discuss welfare arrangements for the late Fabian Okonkwo’s family, they were allegedly attacked by more than 100 youths from other kindreds. The attackers were said to have injured about 10 people, destroyed property, burnt a motorcycle, damaged two others, and looted a shop.

Another victim, Mr. James Ifeanyi, who serves as the Financial Secretary of the kindred, alleged that some community youth leaders and a local government aide led the attack, accusing them of attempting to disrupt the investigation into the killing.

He called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the violence, warning that repeated attacks were preventing justice from being served. He also referenced a previous incident in August 2024 in which properties were destroyed and several people were injured.

The Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, confirmed that the police were already investigating the killing of Mr. Okonkwo, noting that the case remains under review.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the community President General and secretary, adding that order had been restored in the area.

He expressed concern over the recent violence, stating that investigations into the murder were still ongoing and urged residents to allow the police to complete their work rather than resorting to further unrest.

According to him, anyone with concerns about the investigation should formally engage the authorities instead of engaging in retaliatory attacks.