Family Thrown Into Mourning as Pastor Allegedly Kills Four Siblings

• A pastor has left a family mourning after reportedly killing their four children with a pestle in Enugu state
• The tragic incident occurred in the Ibagwa-Aka community, Igbo-Eze South local government area of the state
• The Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Ferdinand Ukwueze, said some key suspects had been arrested

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

Enugu state - A pastor is alleged to have killed four children with a pestle in the Ibagwa-Aka community, Igbo-Eze South local government area of Enugu state.

The children were identified as seven-year-old Kamsiyochukwu Ezema, six-year-old Ezinne Ezema, five-year-old Ujunwa Ezema, and two-year-old Chinedu Ezema.

As reported by The Punch, the parents of the slain children, identified as Chinonso Ezema and Loveth Ezema, were away during the tragic incident.

Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Ferdinand Ukwueze, promised that justice would be served during a visit to the family on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

As reported by The Punch, Ukwueze visited the crime scene with officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and other security operatives.

The council chairman ordered the sealing of the premises where the tragic incident took place, with reports indicating these were being used for unauthorised herbal medicine operations and spiritual activities.

“Our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka,” Ukwueze said.

The security operatives said their visit was to ensure that immediate steps were taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Following preliminary investigations, law enforcement agencies have apprehended some key suspects in connection with the crime, while still searching for others yet at large."

The devastated parents have also demanded justice for their slain children. The father pleaded with the authorities.

“We want the police to thoroughly investigate this and ensure the culprit is brought to book."

Spokesman for the state police command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, has not reacted to Legit.ng's request for comment on the tragic incident that led to the loss of four children.

Legal expert warns of risks to fair trials

Reacting to the challenges Nigeria’s legal system faces in handling high-profile cases, following the tragic killing of four siblings in Enugu, a legal practitioner offered his insights.

Lawyer Ajibade Quadri said that while courts “are structured to remain impartial,” practical issues can threaten this ideal.

“In theory, the courts are structured to remain impartial. However, in practice, challenges such as investigative lapses, media trials, public pressure, and procedural delays can sometimes threaten the integrity of the process,” he told Legit.ng.

He acknowledged examples of “commendable judicial courage” where “judges uphold justice even when the spotlight burns bright and there exists intense public attention or scrutiny on the judiciary.”

Quadri furthered that:

“The real work lies in strengthening institutions: better police procedures, prosecutorial diligence, judicial independence, and ultimately, ensuring that even in the most emotionally charged cases, due process is never sacrificed on the altar of public sentiment.”

Man reportedly kills former lover in Enugu

Meanwhile, tragedy struck on New Anglican Road in Nsukka local government area of Enugu after a man allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend, Chisom Ayogu

The suspect, identified as Ogbonna, was said to have killed Chisom at his residence when she visited to inform him about her upcoming marriage ceremony.

Eyewitnesses narrated how the visit, meant to be a gesture of reconciliation between the former lovers, turned into a tragedy and left the bride-to-be dead.

Lady laments tearfully as her siblings die

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian lady shared an emotional video to share that her siblings had died.

The lady said her mother and her father were the only children of their parents, and they had also passed on.

She said at the moment, she had no other relatives, making her feel like she was the only person in the world.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a legal expert for this report.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng