By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the brutal murder of an 80-year-old woman, late Mrs. Theresa Igbojonu, in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

A release by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that the arrested suspects identified as Chidiebere Igboanugo and Emmanuel Ibeabuchi, both from Umunwaji Ogboro in Ihiala community are currently in police custody, while manhunt is on to arrest two other fleeing suspects.

He said that the Incident occurred on April 2, 2025, when the octogenarian was found dead in what can best be described as an orchestrated and callous murder.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had her legs and mouth tightly bound before she was murdered.

He named items stolen from the deceased house to include, a black CG motorcycle, which has been recovered.

Giving a breakdown of the arrest, the PPRO said: ?The breakthrough in the investigation came on April 5, when the deceased?s son spotted the stolen motorcycle being driven around the Ezego Junction in Ihiala by one of the suspects, Chidiebere Igboanugo; and quickly raised alarm, prompting the Joint Security Patrol Team on ground to act swiftly and apprehend the suspect on the spot.

?During interrogation, Chidiebere reportedly confessed to the crime and went further to name Emmanuel Ibeabuchi as one of his accomplices in the heinous act.

?Acting on this lead, security operatives swung into action and arrested Emmanuel the following day, April 7, at an undisclosed location within the area.

?Further disclosures from the suspects revealed the identities of two other gang members?one Alla and one Emeka?who are currently on the run. Police say all four are from the same community as the victim, raising further concerns about trust, security, and rising local criminality.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a more comprehensive and discreet investigation.

He directed security operatives to intensify efforts in tracking down and apprehending the remaining suspects.

While reassuring the public of the Command?s unwavering commitment to securing lives and property, the Police Commissioner emphasized that the suspects in custody would face the full weight of the law once investigations are concluded.

?The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, not just for the family of the deceased, but for the collective peace of our communities,? PPRO Ikenga affirmed in the statement.

Meanwhile, the brutal murder of the 80-year-old woman by persons from her own community has sparked outrage and drawn widespread condemnation, especially within Ihiala and its environs.

Many have described the incident as one of the most heartless and shameful crimes witnessed in recent times, and called on the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are not only apprehended but prosecuted without delay.

Community leaders and concerned citizens have also renewed their call for increased neighbourhood surveillance, stronger community policing, and value reorientation to stem the rising tide of moral decay, especially among young people in the rural areas.