Anambra Monarch Links Nawfia Killings to Unappeased Spirit of Predecessor

The traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Nwankwo Osuofia II, has linked the recent wave of killings in the town to what he described as the non-appeasement of the spirit of his predecessor, the late Igwe Francis Nwankwo, also known as Osuofia I.

Speaking at his palace during an interaction with journalists, the monarch said he believes the soul of his late father is not at rest, a situation he linked to the continued loss of lives in the community. According to him, about 20 indigenes have been brutally killed in the past two years under troubling circumstances.

Among the incidents cited were the killing of five indigenes on October 8, 2024, the murder of two residents whose eyes were removed before their bodies were dumped in the community, the hacking to death of a pregnant woman carrying twin babies, the killing of five persons during a face-off in Enugwu-Ukwu, the murder of another individual at Agukwu-Nri, and the recent killing of four persons by unknown gunmen in Nawfia on December 7, 2025.

Igwe Osuofia II described the trend as disturbing and contrary to the values of the Nri people, whom he said abhor bloodshed. He condoled with families who lost loved ones and urged the community to take the necessary steps to restore peace and stability.

The monarch recalled that his late father, popularly known as FFBC Nwankwo and Africa’s Tallest Man, was assassinated on February 15, 2000. He noted that his father was a prominent member of the Peoples Club of Nigeria and that he succeeded him as traditional ruler 25 years ago.

According to Igwe Osuofia II, enemies of progress and agents of crisis have continued to stir confusion and disputes in the community since his succession. He stressed the need for unity, dialogue and collective action to move Nawfia forward.

He reaffirmed his commitment to uniting the town, addressing the lingering issues and restoring peace, while also ensuring that the memory and honour of his late father are properly upheld.