Killings in Obile Community: Omuruka Exonerates Ohaji/Egbema Chairman, Amadioha,Vice Chair,Mrs. Opara
By Kelechi Ugo
The President of the Imo State Council of Town Union President-Generals, Hon. Kingsley Chigozie Omuruka, has cleared the Executive Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Marcel Amadioha and his Vice Mrs. Elizabeth Ulumma Jude Opara of any involvement in the recent killings and unrest in Obile community.
Speaking with our correspondent via telephone on Sunday, Hon. Omuruka said he was compelled to publicly exonerate the council chairman and his Vice following their recent peace meeting aimed at addressing the insecurity that has gripped the community.
“Though I was compelled to apologize to our Chairman for initially accusing him of fueling the crisis in Obile, I now wish to state clearly that he is not responsible for the violence. I urge him, however, to immediately set up an investigation committee to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Omuruka stated.
It will be recalled that Hon. Omuruka had earlier raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Obile community, alleging that the crisis worsened after the controversial appointment of Mr. Paschal Ndubuisi Obido as the new President-General of the community by the LGA Chairman on February 10, 2025.
Omuruka had accused Mr. Obido and his associates—whom he described as members of a suspected cult group—of masterminding several violent attacks, including the killing of Mr. Denoute Gbaraka, a staff of Endroma Oil Servicing Company, and another indigene, Mr. Chinedu Chukwu. He also alleged that the same group kidnapped a man popularly known as “Onwa” from the Ogbonna family on October 1, 2025.
According to Omuruka, the violence reached its peak late on October 1 when armed men allegedly invaded the residence of Hon. Dr. Henry Adimelechi, landlord to several oil company staff. During the attack, Mr. Gbaraka was reportedly shot dead, parts of the building were destroyed, and a Toyota Hiace bus parked in the compound was set ablaze. Several other individuals sustained injuries.
That same night, the attackers were said to have looted a local provision store owned by Mr. Daniel, carting away large sums of money and goods.
Omuruka claimed that a total of five persons have been killed in Obile since Obido’s appointment, calling for an urgent and impartial investigation into the crisis.
He also recounted a previous encounter in 2024 at Izombe during a relief material distribution event organized by Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, Member representing Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta & Orlu West Federal Constituency, where he alleged he was attacked by Obido and his group. According to him, that incident marked the beginning of Obido’s violent bid to seize control of leadership in Obile.
Hon. Omuruka therefore appealed to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene decisively to restore peace and stability in Obile community.
