Former Abia Assembly Leader Demands Investigation into Ugwueke Youth Shooting

The Ugwueke youth shooting has sparked outrage and calls for accountability in Abia State. The former Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, has demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of 35-year-old Anyim Elijah Obinna and the shooting of two other persons in Ugwueke community, Bende Local Government Area.

Obinna was reportedly shot dead by a police officer while attending a friend’s birthday party at Grand Star Hotel in Ugwueke on April 20, 2025. Reacting to the incident, Chukwu appealed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu—who represents Bende Federal Constituency—and all concerned Abians to intervene and ensure justice for the victim of the Ugwueke youth shooting.

Chukwu firmly rejected allegations that the tragedy was linked to a cult-related clash. He claimed the officer responsible is attached to the police division in Aba, not a local security unit, and insisted that this detail should be clarified during the investigation.

Narrating the heartbreaking events, the victim’s father, Mr. Paul Anyim, said:

“We went home for Easter holidays. My son returned on Saturday around 2:30 p.m. The next day, Sunday, at 6:15 p.m., he left the house with his younger brother to attend a birthday party.”

He recounted that by 10:00 p.m., villagers were screaming that his son, Elijah Anyim Obinna, had been shot. His son was later confirmed dead.

Mr. Anyim disclosed that the family reported the case to the Igbere Police Division on April 21, 2025, and also lodged a complaint with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuagu, Umuahia. However, officers at SCID directed them back to Igbere, promising that the local division would forward the case file for further investigation into the Ugwueke youth shooting.

Expressing dismay, Mr. Anyim said the policeman accused of pulling the trigger had still not been identified or arrested by the authorities.

A message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on Thursday for clarification on the allegations had not been answered as of press time.