A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, in Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, as unknown gunmen murdered a family of four in their home.
The victims, three females and one elderly man, were reportedly killed while they slept.
Eyewitnesses from the community described the attack as unprovoked, leaving the lifeless bodies of the victims in their respective rooms.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday through its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
He identified the deceased as members of the family of Ichie Kennedy Igboanugo, a notable figure from Ekwuru Isseke, known as the Ichie Akuruoulo 1 of Isseke.
“Following the simultaneous onslaught/joint clearance operations involving the police, military and other security operatives to dislodge the criminal elements and deny them the space to commit havoc in the state, regrettably in the late hours of May 22, 2025, recorded a cowardly gruesome murder of a family of four, including three females and one man, by criminal elements at Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area,” Ikenga stated.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the attack was entirely unprovoked.
“Preliminary information revealed that the criminals unprovokedly attacked the elderly man and his family members. The family was later identified as Ichie Kennedy Igboanugo from Ekwuru Isseke (Ichie Akuruoulo 1 of Isseke).
“The bodies of the victims have been recovered and deposited at the morgue while investigations continue.”
Ikenga added that security has been reinforced in the area to prevent any further incidents, and that efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible.
“The joint security team has also reinforced the area for any untoward situation. Further developments shall be communicated, please,” he said.
The police expressed condolences to the family and friends of the victims and assured the public of their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
