In a shocking turn of events, the tranquil Umumba Ndiagu community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, erupted in outrage on Tuesday as local youths accused a prominent member, Ichie Millions—also known as Ezeani—of conducting heinous criminal activities, including kidnapping and ritualistic murders, within his expansive compound.
The allegations began when community members claimed that the native doctor had been involved in the kidnapping of local residents, including pregnant women and children, using his property for nefarious purposes. The catalyst for the investigation was the rescue of a 13-year-old girl who had been abducted by Ezeani’s associates while she and her father were fetching firewood. The girl’s desperate cries for help alerted members of the Neighborhood Watch, leading to her rescue.
Following these developments, a group of irate youths stormed Ezeani’s compound and made a chilling discovery: several soak-away pits allegedly containing human remains, reportedly victims who had been killed and buried alive for ritualistic reasons. Video footage circulated online showed the youths ransacking the compound, which included what was described as Ezeani’s shrine, while voicing their horror at the situation.
Eyewitness accounts detailed the grim reality uncovered in what had been perceived as a safe community space. A local woman recounted in a viral video: “We have caught the killers. They kill people. People’s dead bodies are inside here. We just rescued a 13-year-old child, who they wanted to use for rituals.”
The community members also apprehended a man claiming to be a security guard for Ezeani, who denied any involvement in the killings but admitted he frequented the compound for ritual purposes. The guard was stripped and tied up by the enraged youths as they continued their rampage against Ezeani’s property, which culminated in the burning of his house and luxury vehicles.
As of now, Ezeani remains at large, while local authorities have launched a manhunt for him and his accomplices. Police Commissioner Bitrus Giwa confirmed that officers from the Enugu State Command, in collaboration with community members, successfully rescued the young victim and initiated the arrests of three other suspects related to the case.
In a statement, Giwa announced, “Two decomposing bodies, one male and one female, were discovered buried in a concrete-sealed pit,” confirming that the deceased were recent victims of the criminal activities led by Ezeani. He praised the effort of local security groups and community members in bringing a swift resolution to the terrifying situation.
The Enugu State Government has since ordered the demolition of buildings associated with Ezeani’s criminal enterprise, emphasizing a firm commitment to addressing the disturbing rise in ritualistic crimes within the region. Community members continue to be in shock, grappling with the revelations about one of their own.