Police nab three suspects over murder of couple
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the cruel murder of a septuagenarian couple in Bende Local government Area of the state, vowing to unravel the mystery behind the dastardly act.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, made this known in a statement on Friday, saying that the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia.
The couple, Mr Jacob Udo (78 yrs old) and Mrs Dorcas Jacob (73 yrs old), of Ndiwo Itumbuzo Bende but resident at Etiti-ulo, also in Bende, were murdered in cold blood in their house Tuesday night. Some accounts said they were beheaded and their bodies dismembered. The Police added that several of the late couple’s properties were carted away by their assailants.
The Police had earlier confirmed the incident and revealed that it has launched an investigation into the matter.
Giving an update on the investigation, the PPRO said that three suspects have been nabbed.
Her statement, titled “Re: Murder Of Mr And Mrs Jacob Udo,” reads part:
“On the 2/10/2024, we received a report at Bende Divisional Headquarters that same date at about 0830hrs, Mr Jacob Udo ‘M’ 78 yrs old and Mrs Dorcas Jacob ‘F’ 73 yrs old, of Ndiwo Itumbuzo Bende LGA of Abia State but domiciled at Etiti-ulo in Bende LGA of same State, were found lying lifeless in a pool of blood in their compound at the aforementioned address. It was further discovered that several properties were carted away from the house.
“Upon this report, the crime scene was visited and corpses 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 disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has “expresses his deep concern over the unfortunate incident.”
The PPRO added that the CP has appealed to “the good people of Abia State to remain calm,” while assuring them that the Police would “unravel the mystery behind this criminal act” to ensure prompt dispensation of justice.
Earlier on Friday, the Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and Umuahia South State Constituency representative, Hon. Emeka Jacob Obioma, had unequivocally condemned the brutal killing of Mr. Jacob and his wife by unknown assailants in Etiti Ulo.
Hon. Obioma, in a statement, described the murder as “barbaric and totally unacceptable,” and urged security agencies to swiftly launch a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“The gruesome killing of Mr. and Mrs. Udo is both devastating and shocking. This criminal act must not go unpunished. I call on law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Obioma stated.
Similarly, the lawmaker representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe (a.k.a Oziomachi), has condemned the brutal murder of the couple.
Hon. Ibekwe, while interacting with newsmen, expressed deep sadness and anger over the incident. He described the killing as “inhuman and barbaric,” and called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in bringing the culprits to justice.
“I am horrified by the brutal murder of this innocent couple. This is a cowardly and despicable act that should not go unpunished. I call on the police and other security agencies to leave no stone unturned in apprehending those responsible for this heinous crime. Justice must be served for the sake of the victims and to restore peace in our community,” Ibekwe said, promising to ensure that the matter received full attention from the concerned authorities.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who swiftly reacted immediately the killing of the couple came to light, strongly condemned the heinous crime, describing it as “horrific and senseless killing.”
The Deputy Speaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, expressed disgust over the barbaric incident.
“This heinous act of violence is unacceptable and violates the fundamental human right to life,” the statement read in part.
The Deputy Speaker said “no cause or grievance justifies such brutal and inhumane and dastardly act.”
He, however, called for calm and restraints amongst the communities in the constituency, cautioning against reprisal attacks.
The Deputy Speaker assured that the authorities would do the needful to ensure that the killers are found and punished for their crime
The Deputy Speaker and the other two state lawmakers condoled with the victims’ families, while calling on the state government and the law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigation with the aim of apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
