Tension as farmer is murdered in Anambra community

There was tension in Ayamelum local government area of Anambra state following gruesome murder of Mr. Okoye Tagbo, a middle-aged farmer.

According to a resident, the deceased remains were found in a shallow grave near the scene of the attack, with his head, heart, hands, feet and genitals missing.

Anaku and Omor communities have been at war over ownership claims of the disputed border farmland.

Amidst efforts to resolve the lingering land tussle, abduction and killing have continued, with the incident which culminated in wanton destruction of property in both communities in May.

Tagbo, who hailed from Umuokpanta, Orenja village in Omor, was said to have gone to his farm close to the disputed farmland near Anaku-Omor boundary to harvest cassava on January 10, 2022, but never came back alive.

When the family discovered that he had not returned at midnight, they raised alarm, forcing the villagers to launch a search for him.

Daily Trust also gathered that the eventual discovery of Tagbo’s headless body in a shallow grave sent shockwaves across Omor community.

According to a close family member, High Chief Johnson Ifejika, “We found Tagbo buried in a shallow grave in a farm where he was harvesting cassava.”

He said the dead body was exhumed in the presence of police and military operatives that joined in the search for the deceased.

According to him, the decapitated body of the victim has been deposited in the mortuary while the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area has vowed to produce the suspects behind the murder.

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Omor kingdom, HRH Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, has condemned the constant abduction and killing of Omor indigenes.

“This continuous killing of Ndi-Omor is certainly not a welcome development. I condemn it in totality and so should every well-meaning citizen of Ayamelum because it’s an ill-wind that blows no one good.

“I am asking Ndi-Omor to exercise restraint and hand over everything to God, including investigation. Nobody should take laws into his hand. It does not pay to do so. Let us have absolute trust in the state government to do justice in this matter. To the family that lost their breadwinner, I condole with them and ask them to take heart that God will be with them, while we continue to hope that government will do the needful.”