A hairstylist was brutally killed by youths in Enugu over stolen street lights. Authorities arrest two suspects while search continues for others.
A shocking and tragic incident has rocked Amaozara Obukpa community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, where 31-year-old hairstylist Izuchukwu Ugwu, popularly known as Obere, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of nine youths.
The attack reportedly stemmed from accusations that he had vandalized and stolen solar-powered street lights installed across the community.
According to community sources, the conflict began when several solar street lights went missing, prompting local youths to investigate the theft.
“The youths were upset about the missing solar street lights and decided to consult a native doctor to identify the culprit,” one source said.
The native doctor reportedly pointed at Obere as being responsible for the alleged theft, setting off a chain of events that would tragically end his life.
The victim, who was the only son of his parents, Mr. James Ajaka Ugwu and Mrs. Florence Ugwu, had a reputation as a peaceful and law-abiding young man.
He was well-known in the Enugu community as a skilled hairstylist. Family and neighbors insisted that Obere had no criminal history and could not have been involved in stealing property belonging to the community.
Following the identification by the native doctor, the nine youths allegedly began searching for Obere without informing him of the accusations.
They reportedly first attempted to locate him at Amaozara Bus Stop but were unsuccessful.
“They waited near the village square, which is close to Obere’s house, hoping to catch him on his way home,” a source explained.
However, Obere reportedly took a different route, frustrating the group’s initial plan.
Undeterred, the group allegedly sent individuals to his house to confirm his presence.
Once assured that Obere had returned home, the youths reportedly confronted him directly.
“When they called his name, he came out, completely unaware of what was happening,” the source said.
Eyewitnesses said the attack was swift and brutal. The youths allegedly demanded that Obere confess to the theft, but he consistently maintained his innocence.
“He pleaded with them, saying he did not steal any of the solar street lights. But they ignored his pleas and continued to beat him,” a witness said.
Despite Obere’s repeated denials, the assault continued until he succumbed to his injuries.
The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday, and immediately after the incident, the suspects fled the community.
“They scattered and are currently nowhere to be found,” the source added. The violent death has left the community in shock and mourning, with many residents expressing fear and outrage over the manner in which the situation escalated.
Obere’s family has called on the authorities to ensure that justice is served.
“He was our only son, a hardworking hairstylist, and a peaceful young man. He never harmed anyone or stole property,” his parents said in a statement.
They appealed to law enforcement agencies and the Enugu State Government to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure the perpetrators face the law.
“We are begging the authorities to help us so that his killers do not escape justice,” the family emphasized.
Law enforcement officials have since taken action. Reports indicate that two of the nine suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody at the Nsukka Area Command.
Efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing, as security agencies work to restore calm to the community.
“The police are actively investigating and are determined to bring all involved to justice,” a source close to the investigation said.
Residents of Amaozara Obukpa community have been urged to remain vigilant in the wake of the tragedy.
The incident has raised serious concerns about community safety and the use of vigilante justice, particularly in Enugu, where tensions over communal property and security matters have occasionally flared into violence.
Community leaders have called for peaceful resolution of disputes and stronger collaboration with law enforcement to prevent further tragedies.
The death of Obere has also sparked conversations about the role of superstition and the consultation of native doctors in resolving community disputes.
Experts warn that relying on unverified claims or supernatural advice in criminal matters can lead to irreversible consequences, as seen in this case.
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