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In an interview with BIODUN BUSARI, 65-year-old Mrs. Edith Alum emotionally shares the day her two sons were killed by angry young people in the Umuchigbo-Nike community, within the Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

You recently lost two sons due to a conflict between groups. Can you remember what took place?

My sons did not perish in a group conflict. They were killed while working on the farmland. It was a confrontation between two opposing groups of young people in our community, and my sons were victims on October 29, 2025. Their names were Chukwudi and Onyekachi Alum. They went to the farm that tragic day but were shot and killed by some enraged youths.

How old were they?

Chukwudi was 38 years old, whereas Onyekachi was 31. Chukwudi was my firstborn, and Onyekachi was the third. Chukwudi was married and had two children.

Were they both farmers?

No. They simply owned a farm. Chukwudi was a businessman, and Onyekachi was a student.

How were they killed?

Both individuals were killed on the farmland, which is owned by the community. I learned that there was a conflict regarding the land, connected to the election of the community chairman. However, the most disturbing aspect was that some young people entered the farmland and shot my sons.

Were they the only people present at the farm when the assailants arrived?

No. As far as I know, many individuals were involved in the farm work. However, the troublemakers specifically focused on my sons. I am unaware of anything I may have done to cause them to target my children.

Did any of your offspring participate in a property conflict?

No. They always kept to themselves. I’m still in disbelief, questioning why the rival youth group killed my sons. On that day, there should have been at least 100 people on the community land, maybe even more, yet the attackers only targeted my children.

What actions have the village elders taken to ensure your fairness?

The chairman expressed understanding towards me. The head of Nike also came to our community and criticized the killing. They pledged to locate the perpetrators and ensure they face legal consequences. I continue to hope that the killers will be caught and brought to trial. It would be a serious wrong if they escaped punishment.

What actions have the authorities undertaken to apprehend the perpetrators?

I was told that the police have detained the leader of the youth group responsible for my children’s murder. However, that is all I am aware of. I am unable to verify the accuracy of this information as I have been staying at home welcoming those who came to offer their condolences.

How many kids do you have?

Six children. I am left with only four following the killing of my two sons.

The killers are on the run — Relative

The chairman’s close associate, Chinedu Emmanuel, informs BIODUN BUSARI that the alleged perpetrators remain at large.

What caused the chairmanship role to be so significant that it resulted in conflict?

The rival aimed to be appointed as chairman and was aware he couldn’t triumph in a legitimate election. He thought his powerful connections would guarantee him the position, yet when the community chose differently, he felt wronged. Other contenders accepted their loss, but he did not.

What advantages does this role offer?

The chairperson is responsible for managing the community, handling all dealings, and acting as the community’s representative in discussions with the government or other entities. He manages all matters related to the community.

Who were the attackers?

Some were followers who summoned members from Emene, Coal Camp, Obiagu, and Ogbohe in Abakpa to participate in the assault. Approximately 100 individuals stormed the farmland, equipped with firearms.

How did they manage to arrive without being seen?

They arrived in a group consisting of three buses, personal vehicles, and motorcycles.

Has anyone been arrested?

The chairman’s rival was detained at the airport as they attempted to escape the nation. The perpetrators themselves are still at large.

What would you say about the late brothers?

They were decent individuals. They became the target in order to inflict emotional distress upon the chairman due to their strong connection with him. The assault was a calculated effort to undermine his mental stability.

There were prior schemes targeting the chairman, such as a failed kidnapping attempt. I was indeed taken in February of this year. I remained in their hideout for four days. They asked for N15 million as ransom, but my family managed to pay N10 million and secured my release.

My nephews were killed by angry young people for backing the community leader.— Uncle

An uncle of the deceased men, Tony Ugwu, explains to BIODUN BUSARI why his two nephews were selected and killed.

What information do you have regarding the event that resulted in the passing of your nephews?

It took place in October. Two competing groups of young people within our neighborhood were involved in a prolonged struggle for leadership. One group backed the community leader, who is connected to me since he married my niece, the sister of the late brothers. The other group did not support him because their candidate had lost the election. My nephews, Chukwudi and Onyekachi, found themselves caught between these two sides.

Who was the owner of the farmland where they met their end?

The farmland is owned by the community. Locals are allowed to cultivate it, as all share ownership, although the community chairman manages it on their behalf. The head of the rival group, who ran against the chairman, had previously stated that no one should be permitted to work on the land. The individuals responsible for killing the Alum brothers were followers of this opposing faction. There had been earlier conflicts and disputes, but no one anticipated the conflict would result in murder.

What would you say about their passing?

It was extremely painful and devastating. Witnesses reported that the attackers were approximately 100 in number and well-equipped with weapons. They shot Onyekachi, the younger brother, initially. While Chukwudi tried to take him to safety and get him to the hospital, the attackers also shot him. The violence was beyond comprehension.

What was the chairman’s response?

He urged for peace and asked his followers not to respond with retaliation. He has consistently opposed violence. Had he not stepped in, there might have been severe acts of revenge.

Which type of election led to the hostility?

It was a community vote, not a local government election. Upon the chairman’s victory, his rival contested the outcome in court. His followers were upset when he overcame them through legal means. The rival was determined to secure the position no matter what.

There were claims of violence and fires following the deaths of your nephews. Who was responsible?

Certain individuals sought vengeance for the deaths of my nephews. This is why I emphasized the importance of the chairman’s composure; he stopped additional retaliation. The brothers were killed on Wednesday, and by Thursday, some friends of the victims became enraged and wished to retaliate. Fortunately, the chairman managed to ease the tension. The perpetrators, however, have left the neighborhood.

Has something similar occurred previously?

As far as I am aware, nothing of this nature has occurred within the community previously. While people might have had differing opinions or engaged in debates, it never escalated to the point of taking someone’s life. This was an extreme act of evil, involving violence aimed at stopping the chairman by injuring his family. He had a larger number of supporters compared to his opponent.

Are you aware if the offenders have been taken into custody?

I have heard that certain arrests have taken place, although I am unable to verify this. I was informed that the chairman’s opponent, who is suspected of being responsible for my nephews’ deaths, has been arrested, but only the police can provide confirmation.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).