By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, operating under Operation Udo Ka and through the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity II, have exhumed the remains of a community leader in Imo State, Chief Ibe Anyadu, of Aggah Community.
The Army also explained the circumstances leading to the exhumation.
In a statement by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, which supervises the Brigade, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the military stated that Chief Anyadu was allegedly murdered by suspected members of what it described as “a criminal gang recently apprehended in connection with violent crimes in the region.”
Ayeni added that the latest development followed recent intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrest of suspects allegedly responsible for the killing of a soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.
According to him, during interrogation, one of the suspects allegedly confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.
He recounted that on 2 August 2026, the suspect guided troops to a shallow grave within Umudike forest, said to be one of the criminals’ known camps, where the remains of the late community leader was successfully exhumed.
The exhumation was conducted in the presence of the deceased’s family members, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of Aggah and Umudike communities, the statement emphasized.
The family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure a dignified burial in accordance with their customs and traditions, Ayeni stated.
The Commander, Operation Udo Ka, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul,Ayeni stated.
General Fadairo further assured the family and the people of Aggah Community that justice will be served, as the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the nation’s laws.
“Headquarters Operation Udo Ka, as part of ongoing peace-building efforts in the South-East region, remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring that victims and their families receive closure through lawful processes,” the statement added.
*PHOTO CAPTION: The remains placed in a body bag.
