Terror on Imo River: Over 30 Mutilated Bodies Found in Abia Community, Ritual Killings Suspected

The Oriendu autonomous community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State has been thrown into a state of fear and panic following the discovery of over 30 decomposing bodies suspected to be victims of ritual killings.

The gruesome discovery at Imo River, which has sent shockwaves across the state, was confirmed by the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Eze Philip Ajomiwe, who revealed that the bodies-mostly young women-were either found completely naked with missing private parts or stuffed inside bags before being dumped into the Imo River.

[caption id="attachment_186267" align="alignnone" width="960"] HRH Eze Philip Ajomiwe- Terror on Imo River: Over 30 Mutilated Bodies Found in Abia Community, Ritual Killings Suspected[/caption]

Speaking to journalists in his palace, the monarch raised the alarm over the rising cases of ritual murders in the area, blaming the heinous crime on unknown assailants allegedly operating from neighboring Imo State.

According to Eze Ajomiwe, these shocking discoveries have been happening since last year, with the most recent case being that of a young woman's body, which was found floating in the Imo River without private parts.

"The bodies we find are mostly dumped at night. By morning, we wake up to these horrific sights," he lamented.

The monarch further revealed that in some cases, two decomposing bodies have been seen abandoned beside the NNPC pipeline, raising serious security concerns about the rising ritualist activities in the area.

Eze Ajomiwe expressed deep frustration over the lack of arrests despite multiple reports to security agencies. He criticized law enforcement for failing to take decisive action, leaving the community vulnerable to further attacks.

"Our vigilante group has tried to apprehend these criminals, but they are heavily armed. We don't have the equipment to match them," he said.

The monarch pleaded with the Abia State Government to step in by providing proper logistics and arms to community security operatives so they can effectively combat these ritual killers.

"We need government intervention. This situation is beyond what we can handle alone," he added.

Eze Ajomiwe disclosed that he had officially notified several security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), and even wrote to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly on February 7, yet the killings have persisted.

According to him, the DSS visited the community for discussions, but no concrete action has been taken to arrest those behind these ritualistic murders.

While appreciating the Abia State Government for increasing the monthly stipends of traditional rulers, the monarch argued that it is still not enough to tackle security challenges at the community level.

"As monarchs, we don't have security votes like the Governor. Our communities need the government's support to secure lives and properties," he stressed.

When contacted, the Abia State Police Command stated that it was yet to verify the authenticity of the shocking revelations.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chilaka, said the command would make inquiries from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area before issuing an official statement.

"I will confirm if there has been any formal complaint at any police station and revert after further investigations," Chilaka assured.

Meanwhile, tension continues to rise in Oriendu and surrounding communities, with residents living in fear as the ritual killings remain unsolved. Imo River