The Nigeria Police Force in Enugu State has launched investigations into two shocking murder incidents in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, involving the alleged beheading of three persons by close family members.
According to the Enugu State Police Command, the separate incidents occurred on May 15, 2026, in Nkporogwu Ukehe and Agu-Ekwegbe communities.
In the first incident, police operatives attached to the Igbo-Etiti Division reportedly responded to a distress call at about 3:10 p.m. alleging that a 40-year-old man, identified as Anikwe Onyebuchi, used a cutlass to allegedly behead his 60-year-old mother, Felicia Anikwe, at Nkporogwu Ukehe Community.
Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the deceased’s severed head and body were recovered and taken to the hospital where doctors confirmed her dead. Her remains were later deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The suspect was reportedly rescued from an angry mob that attacked him after the incident. He was rearrested by the police and taken to hospital for treatment while investigations continue.
In a separate but similar incident reported minutes later at about 3:18 p.m., operatives attached to the Command’s Distress Response Squad responded to another distress call at Agu-Ekwegbe Community along the Ugwuagu/Opi/Nsukka Road.
The police said one Joshua Eze allegedly used a cutlass to sever the heads of his sister, Nwabuche Eze, and her little daughter, Favour Eze.
The victims were recovered and confirmed dead at the hospital before their remains were deposited in the mortuary.
According to preliminary police investigations, the suspect allegedly buried the victims in a shallow grave alongside a dead white cock, raising suspicions of possible ritual motives behind the killings.
The suspect was also reportedly rescued from a mob in critical condition but later died in the hospital.
Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and unacceptable.
The police commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to commence thorough investigations into both incidents to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings.
He also warned residents against jungle justice and urged members of the public to always hand over suspects to lawful authorities for proper investigation and prosecution.
