A family of four, including an elderly man and three women, was brutally murdered by gunmen in the early hours of Thursday in Isseke, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to The PUNCH, the victims identified as Ichie Kennedy Igboanugo—popularly known as Ichie Akuruoulo 1 of Isseke—and his three female relatives, were reportedly asleep when the assailants stormed their home and killed them. Their lifeless bodies were later discovered in their apartment.
Confirming the tragic incident on Friday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command has launched an investigation and increased security presence in the area.
“It’s a deeply disturbing and cowardly act,” Ikenga stated. “Preliminary findings indicate the attack was unprovoked. The victims were killed in cold blood while they slept. The entire community is in shock.”
He further revealed that a joint security team comprising the police, military, and other operatives had already cordoned off the area to prevent further incidents.
“The remains of the victims have been deposited in a morgue, and our operatives are following up on some leads that could help us apprehend those behind this heinous crime,” he added.
While the motive for the attack remains unclear, residents described it as unprecedented and chilling. “We’ve never seen anything like this in our community,” a resident who pleaded anonymity said. “The victims were peaceful people. We are all scared.”
The police have urged members of the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity that could assist in the investigation.
“The command commiserates with the family and friends of the victims and assures them that justice will be pursued vigorously,” Ikenga said.
