Family plans burial for Abia teenager stabbed to death by cultists
After 11 months of relentless struggle to secure justice for their teenage son, Chinedu Ukwu, who was brutally stabbed to death in the Arochukwu area of Abia State, his family has finally decided to lay the 18-year-old to rest.
The family informed PUNCH Metro on Thursday that their slain teenage son would be laid to rest on Saturday (tomorrow).
Three suspected cult members, identified as Okorafor, John, and Chenemerem Nwosu, allegedly brutally stabbed 18-year-old Chinedu Ukwu to death on April 3, 2024, after he resisted their attempts to initiate him into their cult forcefully.
A PUNCH Metro report dated May 3, 2024, detailed how vigilantes and hunters, acting swiftly on the night of the incident, successfully apprehended Nwosu and Okorafor just hours after the murder and handed them over to the police in the Arochukwu community.
The family was devastated when a police officer informed them that one of the two suspects, Okorafor, had escaped during a jailbreak on April 14, 2024.
Outraged, they condemned the Abia State Police Command for failing to conduct a thorough investigation into their son’s murder. Meanwhile, the command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the escape and assured the public that efforts were underway to recapture the fugitive.
“About the information you requested, we are aware (of the escape), and efforts are ongoing to pick up the suspect. Efforts are ongoing to re-apprehend the suspect; we will not start something that we will not finish. With time, we will arrest the suspect,” she had said.
However, to this day, only one suspect remains on trial in court.
On Thursday, a family member known simply as Ezuma, shared details of the burial arrangements with our correspondent in a WhatsApp message, “This is just to update you on the case regarding the late Chinedu. The case was transferred from Umuahia to Arochukwu.
“His parents have been attending court sessions intending to get justice for the late boy, although only one person is in the correctional centre custody. The burial takes place this Saturday, March 22, 2025.”
Cultism-related violence remains widespread in Abia State, claiming numerous lives. Among its victims was Emmanuel Uche, a final-year student at Abia State University, who was shot dead by suspected cultists.
While the motive behind his killing remains unclear, the police command confirmed the arrest of one suspect, Emmanuel Victor, in connection with the alleged murder.
