Enugu Hairstylist Beaten to Death After Native Doctor Accuses Him of Stealing Streetlights

A 31-year-old hairstylist, Izuchukwu Ugwu, known locally as Obere, was beaten to death in Amaozara Obukpa, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, following accusations that he had stolen and vandalized solar-powered street lights.

Community sources say nine youths attacked Obere after consulting a native doctor, who allegedly identified him as the alleged culprit. Obere, the only son of his family, reportedly denied the allegations as the attack unfolded.

“The youths searched for him without informing him of the accusations,” a source said. “When they located him at his home, they called him out. He responded innocently, unaware of the situation.”

Witnesses say Obere was repeatedly beaten while insisting he was innocent. Despite his pleas, the group continued the assault until he died. Video footage obtained by SaharaReporters shows Obere lying in a pool of blood with visible head injuries, his legs bound, and a street light panel placed on him. In the footage, he maintains his innocence and suggests that scavengers could be responsible for the missing lights.

Obere’s parents, James Ajaka Ugwu and Florence Ugwu, described their son as peaceful and without a criminal record. They have called on authorities and the Enugu State Government to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.

Two suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody at the Nsukka Area Command, while efforts to apprehend the remaining individuals continue. Attempts to reach the Enugu State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful.