The Governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti has conveyed his deep sorrow regarding the tragic beheading of a couple in the Bende Local Government Area and has ordered security operatives to identify and apprehend the assailants.
In a press statement signed by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he instructed the state’s security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the culprits are held accountable.
“The Governor, on behalf of the Government of Abia State, commiserates with the family of the victims and assures that the government is working round the clock to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.
“He has also directed government officials to see how the dependents can be assisted in the interim,” the statement said.
Furthermore, three suspects have been taken into custody by the Abia State Police in connection with the murder of an elderly couple found deceased in their home at Etiti-ulo, located in Bende Local Government Area.
This information was shared in a press statement issued by the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Maureen Chinaka, on Friday.
Earlier reports from our Correspondent confirmed the brutal beheading of Mr. Jacob Udo and his wife, Mrs. Comfort Udo, in the Bende Local Government Area.
The statement reveals that the suspects were apprehended following an investigation initiated after a thorough examination of the crime scene. They are currently being held for further questioning at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia.
However, she did not reveal the identities of the suspects.
According to the statement, "On the 2/10/2024, we received a report at the Bende Divisional Headquarters around 8:30 AM regarding Mr. Jacob Udo, 78, and Mrs. Dorcas Jacob, 73, who lived in Ndiwo Itumbuzo, Bende LGA, but were residing at Etiti-ulo in the same area. They were discovered lifeless in their compound, lying in a pool of blood. It was also found that several belongings had been stolen from their home.
“Upon this report, the crime scene was visited and corpses were deposited at the mortuary for autopsy. Three (3) suspects were arrested in connection with the heinous crime and are currently under interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Umuahia.”
The statement also indicated that the Commissioner of Police for Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, expressed his deep concern regarding the incident and assured a comprehensive investigation will be conducted.
"The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa expresses his deep concern over the unfortunate incident and appeals to the good people of Abia State to remain calm and assures them that the mystery behind this criminal act will be unraveled to ensure prompt dispensation of justice.” the statement added.
Recall, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represents the Bende Federal Constituency, described the incident as a heinous act of violence that is both unacceptable and a violation of the fundamental human right to life.
Kalu also urged the communities in the constituency to remain calm and exercise restraint, warning against any potential reprisal attacks.
