In the quiet community of Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, a tragedy has unfolded, leaving a family shattered and a community in shock.

Four children, Kamsiyochukwu Ezema (7), Ezinne Ezema (6), Ujunwa Ezema (5), and Chinedu Ezema (2), of the same parents, were murdered with a pestle by a spiritualist, a pastor of a sabbath church in the area.

Although the motive behind this heinous act remains a mystery, the pain and outrage it has sparked are palpable.

The Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Mr Ferdinand Ukwueze, has expressed his outrage over the murder, vowing that justice must be served.

?Our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka,? he said, extending his condolences to the family of the victims during a visit to the family on Saturday.

Ukwueze visited the crime scene, accompanied by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and other security operatives, to assess the situation and 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,? he revealed.

The council chairman ordered the sealing of the premises where the incident took place, believed to be used for unauthorized herbal medicine operations and spiritual activities linked to the prime suspects.

?We are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring that justice is served,? Ukwueze vowed.

The devastated parents, Chinonso Ezema and Loveth Ezema, who were away during the incident, are demanding justice for their children. ?We want the police to thoroughly investigate this and ensure the culprit is brought to book,? the father pleaded.

As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, the authorities are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The people of Igbo-Eze South are assured that the government will collaborate closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, enhance community safety, and prevent such grievous incidents from recurring.

Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on the incident failed as he didn?t take his calls or respond to a text message seeking his comment. (Sunday PUNCH)