Umudora Anam Petitions Soludo Over Two Sons Feared Killed in Aguleri, Demands Probe, Recovery of Remains

By Our Reporter

The Umudora Anam Development Union (UDU) has petitioned Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, over the reported disappearance and alleged killing of two of its indigenes, Engr. Isaac Michael Egwuatu and Pastor Ikenna Ofodile.

The community demands, an impartial investigation, the prosecution of anyone found culpable, and the recovery of the men’s remains.

In a petition dated October 14, 2026, and addressed to the governor at the Government House, Awka, the community expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the two cases, alleging that both men were victims of violence involving individuals from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area.

According to the petition signed by the union’s chairman, Chief Obiora Nzedigwe, Engr. Isaac Michael Egwuatu reportedly travelled to Aguleri Junction on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to purchase timber for a building project.

The union stated that he was last seen around (Ogbosi) timber market, Aguleri Junction, that fateful day. The petition alleged that the circumstances surrounding his disappearance raised suspicions of abduction and possible killing, urging the state government to intervene urgently.

The union also expressed concern that the incident occurred after recent peace efforts involving the Anambra State Government, the Deputy Governor and stakeholders from Anam and Aguleri.

According to the petition, the peace initiatives had encouraged residents to believe that tensions between the neighbouring communities were subsiding.

The union stated that Egwunatu’s reported disappearance had renewed fears among residents and raised questions about the effectiveness of the peace efforts.

The petition also revisited the case of Pastor Ikenna Ofodile, who was allegedly abducted from his church site in Aguleri on January 28, 2025. According to the document, the incident occurred during a dispute involving a fish pond between Umuoji Village, Umuoba Anam and an Eziagulu, Aguleri.

The union alleged that almost 21 months after the incident, it had received no satisfactory account of what happened to the pastor and was unaware of any arrests or prosecutions connected to the case.

It therefore called on the relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and establish his fate.

The petition stated that photographs of both men had been attached to the correspondence as supporting material.

In outlining its position, the Umudora Anam Development Union maintained that the two men were not involved in the disputes reportedly associated with their disappearances.

The union wrote:

“Our sons were not part of any quarrel or dispute, yet both of them were killed.”

It further stated that the investigation should determine whether the incidents were isolated acts or involved a wider conspiracy.

The petition added that those found responsible should be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Emphasising its preference for peaceful resolution, the union declared:

“Umudora Anam is a peaceful community. We seek neither revenge nor collective punishment; we seek truth, justice, and protection.”

The community appealed to Governor Soludo to act before the situation further undermined relations between neighbouring communities.

“Your peace efforts must not be allowed to fail. We urge you, Mr. Governor, to act now, before fear and mistrust between neighbouring communities deepen,” the petition stated.

The union requested three specific interventions from the governor.

First, it asked him to direct the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into both cases.

Second, it called for the arrest and prosecution of anyone found culpable.

Third, it requested an intensified search for and recovery of the remains of the two men to enable their families to give them a dignified burial.

Copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, Ukpo; the DSS State Director; the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; and the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area.

The petition highlights continuing concerns over security and relations between communities in parts of Anambra East Local Government Area, where disagreements have previously been reported.

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