Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Tragedy struck in Unwana, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as a 21-year-old man, Emmanuel John Igboko, was allegedly shot dead by a member of a vigilante group, Eze Ibiam Irem.
Sources in the community said the incident occurred on the night of October 25, during the Ebikpo cultural celebration — a traditional event that forms part of the Ogo initiation process for young men in Unwana.
The Ebikpo night is an age-long tradition where initiated men move around the community singing satirical songs about individuals, mostly women, whose actions or lifestyles are considered morally questionable. The event also serves as a period for communal reflection, humour, and social correction through songs.
During the exercise, it is considered taboo for women or uninitiated men to see the Ogo participants, who usually perform their rituals under the cover of darkness.
Emmanuel, who reportedly admired the cultural practice, was said to have joined his peers that evening out of youthful excitement. He was seen moving from one compound to another, singing and participating in the event, unaware of the tragedy that awaited him.
Trouble began when the group entered the compound of Eze Ibiam Irem, said to be a member of a local vigilante security outfit.
A community source, Chilezie Duke, told our reporter on Wednesday that Eze, upon seeing the boys, allegedly ordered them to leave his premises immediately, threatening dire consequences if they failed to comply.
“Eze went inside his house, brought out his gun, and fired a shot that fatally struck Emmanuel,” Duke alleged.
“He was not armed, not violent, and meant no harm. He only came to participate in a cultural tradition that his people have practiced for generations.”
Emmanuel reportedly died on the spot, while his friends fled in shock and fear. His body has since been deposited in a mortuary.
Meanwhile, the alleged shooter, Eze Ibiam Irem, is said to be on the run as community members call for his immediate arrest and prosecution.
“This is heartbreaking. Emmanuel was just a 21-year-old boy, full of life,” Duke lamented.
“Justice must not be denied. Emmanuel deserves justice.”
The incident has thrown the Unwana community into mourning and has renewed concerns over the conduct of local security personnel and the misuse of firearms by vigilante members.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, told our reporter on Wednesday that the Police had launched an investigation and a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
