Enugu: Pastor arrested over four siblings’ death

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A pastor in one of the white garment churches has reportedly been arrested in connection with the death of four siblings in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Although the council chairman, Mr Ferdinand Ukwueze, confirmed the arrest to PUNCH Metro during a visit to the deceased’s family on Saturday, he could not name the suspect, who was said to be a member of the Sabbath Church located in the area.

The children named: Kamsiyochukwu Ezema (seven), Ezinne Ezema (six), Ujunwa Ezema (five), and Chinedu Ezema (two), were allegedly gruesomely murdered with a pestle by the pastor alongside other accomplices who are currently on the run.

According to local sources, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, the motives behind the incident are not yet clear as the police hadn’t revealed the outcome of their investigation.

However, speaking during a visit to the family of the deceased’s children shortly after visiting the scene of the crime, the LG boss condemned the dastardly act, vowing that justice must be served.

Ukwueze, consequently, ordered that the premises where the incident took place be sealed with immediate effect.

Regretting the unfortunate incident, he said: “Our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area.

I am deeply saddened by this act of senseless violence and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims.

“Today, I visited the crime scene in the company of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, the civil defence and other relevant security operatives to assess the situation firsthand and to ensure that immediate steps are taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Following preliminary investigations, law enforcement agencies have apprehended some key suspects in connection with the crime, while still searching for others yet at large.