Tragedy struck in the Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, as security operatives reportedly shot and killed Chidebe Ibeakuzie, popularly known as Mighty, amid a heated dispute over the ownership of a tricycle (Keke) park near the military cantonment in Onitsha.
The violent clash also led to the reported abduction of two Obosi youths, while several others, including Keke operators and passersby, sustained gunshot injuries.
According to sources who spoke with The Sun, the unrest stemmed from a long-standing ownership battle between the families of late Tochukwu Anyaoku, an Obosi native, and Edward Ibuzo, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency.
The tricycle park was originally leased by Anyaoku before his passing last year, after which his wife took over its management. However, Ibuzo allegedly laid claim to the land, sparking a fierce territorial dispute.
Obosi youths have accused Ibuzo of masterminding the attack, alleging that he engaged Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, who they claim were responsible for Mighty’s fatal shooting.
In his defense, Ibuzo denied any involvement, insisting via a WhatsApp call to journalists that he was in Germany at the time of the incident. He further claimed that he had a court judgment in his favor, granting him rights to take over the park.
Ibuzo also alleged that DSS operatives only intervened after witnessing what they suspected to be a kidnapping attempt, which led to an exchange of gunfire.
Prominent Obosi stakeholder, Omezie Chukwurah, also known as "Governor Obosi", has condemned the escalating violence. He revealed that previous police interventions in similar disputes had resulted in another Obosi youth being shot in the head.
Chukwurah further alleged that the security operatives involved in Mighty’s killing arrived in vehicles linked to Ibuzo, fueling suspicions of a coordinated attack.
As tensions continue to rise, residents of Obosi are demanding justice for Mighty and a resolution to the ongoing land dispute to prevent further bloodshed.
