Abia Commercial Motorcyclist Killed After Banishment

A commercial motorcyclist from Obuoro community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Mr. Okezie Onyema Onyendu, has died from injuries sustained after being attacked by unidentified persons at Amawom village.

The late Okezie was assaulted on March 7, 2025, and succumbed to his injuries at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia on March 10. His death comes barely a month after he was allegedly banished by some members of his community over a dispute concerning land sharing.

According to reports, the assailants allegedly cut off one of his ears and made away with his commercial motorcycle, mobile phone, and the money he earned from his transport business on the day of the attack.

Speaking to journalists on Friday at the Police Area Command in Umuahia, where the case was reported, the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Ogechi Okezie, alleged that her husband was a victim of conspiracy within his community. She claimed he was banished in February 2024 for refusing to relinquish his land to a distant relative.

“They arrested my husband and banished him from Obuoro Ibere. I took him to my village in Itunta, but they still came and told us to leave. My husband took the matter to court, and a High Court was supposed to hear the case on March 12. But on March 7, he went missing, only for his unconscious body to be found with an ear cut off,” she narrated.

She further alleged that a chief and some individuals in the Obuoro Ibere community had earlier threatened her husband’s life and were now after her to silence the case.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that the incident had been reported to the Police Area Command in Umuahia and that investigations were ongoing.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage, with community members calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the late Okezie Onyema Onyendu.