Umuahia North LGA, Abia State – Over 30 unidentified bodies have been discovered in the Imo River near the Oriendu autonomous community, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, since last year, sparking fear and outrage. The bodies are suspected to be victims of ritual killings.
HRH Eze Philip Ajomiwe, the community’s traditional ruler, confirmed the findings to journalists. He reported that another body, a woman, was recently discovered. He stated the bodies are often found naked, with missing body parts, or inside bags. Decomposing bodies have also been seen near an NNPC pipeline.
Eze Ajomiwe said the victims are primarily young girls. He believes the perpetrators come from Imo State and dump the unidentified bodies in the river at night.
The community has reported the situation to security agencies multiple times. However, no arrests have been made. The local vigilante group lacks the resources to stop the killings.
“We’re appealing to the state government to empower the vigilante group,” Eze Ajomiwe pleaded. He explained that confronting these criminals requires proper equipment because the suspects are likely armed. He sent a letter to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly on February 7, but has received no response.
The traditional ruler stressed the urgent need for government action. He noted that monarchs lack security budgets. “We have reported even to the DSS… We need the government’s intervention,” he said. While stipends for traditional rulers have increased, he said the amount is insufficient to fight the growing insecurity. Further unidentified bodies continue to surface.
The Abia State Police Command, through spokesperson Maureen Chilaka, stated that they will investigate the claims. They will also confirm if any formal complaints have been filed.
