Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A couple, Mr Jacob Udo and Mrs Comfort Udo, have been beheaded by unknown assailants at Isiala Autonomous Community in Bende Local Government Area of the state.
The State Police Command which confirmed the heinous crime, said investigation had been launched to unravel the matter.
Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in charge of the state, Maureen Chilaka, told Ikengaonline that detectives had visited the crime scene and exhibits collected.
“Yes, we received such report yesterday at Bende Divisional Headquarters. The crime scene has been visited, exhibits recovered. Their bodies have been deposited at the mortuary, and investigation is ongoing,” she said.
The victims, according to reports, were killed Tuesday night in their house by unidentified assailants who also dismembered their bodies before fleeing the scene.
It is not yet known what was the grouse of the attackers.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende federal constituency, has condemned the incident which he described as “horrific and senseless.”
Local sources said the couple hailed from Itumbuzor, but were residing inside Bende town.
The Deputy Speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, expressed disgust over the barbaric incident.
“This heinous act of violence is unacceptable and violates the fundamental human right to life,” the statement read in part.
The Deputy Speaker said “no cause or grievance justifies such brutal and inhumane and dastardly act.”
Hon. Kalu condoled with the victims’ families, while calling on the state government and the law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigation with the aim of apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
He, however, called for calm and restraints amongst the communities in the constituency, cautioning against reprisal attacks.
The Deputy Speaker assured that the authorities would do the needful to ensure that the killers are found and punished for their crime.
He said: “I unequivocally condemn the brutal killing of the couple. This shocking act of violence contradicts humanity’s basic principles. My thoughts are with the victims’ families and their loved ones.
“I urge the authorities to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice. We stand together against violence and extremism, advocating for a culture of tolerance, respect, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“We urge all members of our community to remain calm and exercise caution to prevent escalation.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens are of utmost importance. We understand the emotions and concerns but violence or reprisal attacks will only lead to further suffering and division.”
