UNIEC WORLDWIDE CONDEMNS REPORTED FAMILY KILLING, DEMANDS JUSTICE WITHOUT ETHNIC HATRED. Justice • Accountability • National Unity One People • One Heritage • One Collective Destiny

UNIEC WORLDWIDE CONDEMNS REPORTED KILLING OF IFEANYI CHUKWU’S FAMILY, DEMANDS JUSTICE AND NATIONAL SOLIDARITY

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL REACTION

ENUGU, NIGERIA — 10 OCTOBER 2026

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide expresses profound sorrow and grave concern over reports of the brutal killing of Ifeanyi Chukwu, his wife and their four children at Oloba Village, Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State. The reported circumstances are deeply disturbing and demand a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.

According to reports citing the Oyo State Police Command, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged attack, which reportedly occurred on 22 September 2026. The family was allegedly robbed before their bodies were dumped in a river. Reports indicate that the wife’s remains have been recovered, while efforts to recover the other victims continue. These allegations must be established through lawful investigation and judicial proceedings.

UNIEC’S OFFICIAL POSITION

UNIEC unequivocally condemns the deliberate taking of innocent human lives. No financial dispute, personal grievance or material possession can justify murder. The reported loss of six family members, including four children, is an immeasurable human tragedy demanding compassion, accountability and justice.

We call upon the Oyo State Government, the Oyo State Police Command and relevant investigative authorities to pursue the investigation professionally, transparently and without political, ethnic or other improper interference.

All persons suspected of involvement must be treated according to law. Where sufficient admissible evidence establishes criminal responsibility, the appropriate charges should be pursued through lawful prosecution and fair judicial proceedings.

We further urge authorities to intensify efforts to recover the missing remains, support the bereaved relatives and provide credible updates on the investigation. Justice must not end with arrests; it requires diligent investigation, lawful prosecution and accountability established through due process.

AGAINST ETHNIC GENERALISATION

UNIEC recognises the anxiety and anger this tragedy may generate among Igbo people, particularly those living and conducting legitimate businesses outside their states of origin. Their concerns about personal safety deserve serious attention and effective protection.

Nevertheless, the circulating reports do not, by themselves, establish that the alleged crime was motivated by anti-Igbo hatred or represents a coordinated ethnic pattern. Such conclusions require credible evidence. We must not allow the alleged actions of individuals to become grounds for condemning an entire ethnic community.

Criminal responsibility belongs to those whose culpability is established, not to an entire people because of shared ethnicity, language or place of residence.

Our demand is justice without ethnic hatred, accountability without prejudice, and security without discrimination.

THE WISDOM OF OUR ELDERS

Our elders teach us: “When a house catches fire, the wise do not argue over the tribe of the person holding the bucket; they work together to save the lives inside.”

Nigeria’s diversity must never become an excuse for indifference to human suffering. An Igbo family living in Oyo State deserves the same protection, dignity and justice as every other Nigerian family, regardless of ethnicity, religion or place of residence.

We encourage residents to cooperate with lawful security agencies, report credible threats and avoid circulating unverified allegations that could provoke reprisals or endanger innocent people. Sensible security precautions are important, but fear and ethnic suspicion must never replace neighbourly trust, cooperation and lawful action.

OUR CALL

UNIEC calls for a credible investigation, diligent prosecution where evidence warrants it, recovery and dignified burial of the victims, support for surviving relatives, and stronger protection for residents and businesspeople throughout Nigeria.

Let the police establish the facts. Let the courts determine guilt. Let the government demonstrate that every life matters. Let communities reject collective blame and stand together against violent crime.

The value of human life cannot be measured by the money or property stolen. Justice must be pursued firmly, lawfully and impartially.

May the souls of Ifeanyi Chukwu, his wife and their four children rest in peace. May their loved ones find strength and comfort during this painful period.

ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • MANY VOICES • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council

His Lordship (Bishop), Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

Institutional Position: Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven