Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have exhumed the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by suspected criminal elements in Imo State after arrested suspects led security operatives to the burial site.
The discovery followed ongoing investigations into an attack on troops on July 31, during which a soldier was killed and another sustained gunshot injuries. Military intelligence sources said the suspects arrested in connection with the attack provided information that led to the recovery of the community chief’s body.
According to the sources, one of the suspects, during interrogation on August 2, confessed to participating in the killing of Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community. The suspect subsequently guided troops to a shallow grave hidden inside Umudike Forest, where the remains of the traditional leader had been buried.
The sources further disclosed that two other suspects identified as Melody and Albert Tony, popularly known as “Chiboy”, also admitted their involvement in the killing and assisted security personnel in locating the exact burial site.
The exhumation exercise was carried out in the presence of members of the deceased’s family, community representatives and other relevant stakeholders, who witnessed the recovery of the remains from the forest.
Following the exhumation, the family of the late community leader provided a coffin and an ambulance to convey the remains for burial in accordance with the customs and traditional rites of the community.
Security sources described the recovery as a significant breakthrough in ongoing operations against criminal groups operating in parts of the South-East, noting that intelligence obtained from the suspects could aid efforts to dismantle the network responsible for the killing.
Military authorities said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder of the community leader, identify other members of the criminal gang involved, and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
