BY SUNNY A. DAVID
Following the horrific killing of ten people, including nine security personnel, in Ihiala, Anambra State, the traditional ruler, Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu, has declared a four-day period of mourning and prayer.
The victims, among them community leader Chief Donatus Onuchukwu, were attacked at a family home during preparations for a funeral.
The mourning notice was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsman in Awka on Tuesday by the Palace Secretary, Barrister Emmanuel Mkpo.
According to Mkpo, the mourning period began on Monday, January 6th, and will end on Thursday, January 9th, 2025.
The statement explained that during the mourning period, a minute of silence would be observed at all public events and gatherings in Ihiala as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the heinous attack.
Additionally, the statement noted that a comprehensive profiling of residents in all villages of Ihiala would be conducted to ensure proper identification of residents and promote heightened vigilance within the community as part of measures to address security concerns.
“Igwe Obidiegwu commended the prompt and swift actions taken by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and his declaration of a state of emergency on the challenges of insecurity in Ihiala town. He also pledged full support for all initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in the community,” it stated.
The statement further assured that the people of Ihiala stand united and will continue to support the Governor’s efforts to ensure that justice is served while fostering long-term peace and safety in the town.
The Ihekamba Onuchukwu family of Umuike Ubahuekwem, Ihiala, has long been recognized for their significant contributions to the development of the Ihiala community, the statement added.
It would be recalled that the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, announced a N10 million bounty for information leading to the capture of each of the gunmen responsible for an attack during a burial ceremony in Ihiala, in Ihiala local government area of the State, last Monday.
