CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

There was confusion in a community in Umuchu town, Aguata Local government Area of Anambra State after unnamed soldiers stormed the place to seize corpse during a burial ceremony.

The incident happened in Umueke kindred in Ibughubu village in Umuchu town where the late businessman, Chief Benjamin Elendu was slated for burial.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the whole community was thrown into confusion and some members of the deceased family went into hiding for fear of their lives before the youths in the community intervened and resisted the soldiers.

The late Benjamin Elendu popularly known as Onwa died recently and the family arranged for his burial on 8th of January, 2018.

However, the burial turned into a serious fight among the members of the family over property and where he will be buried.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the late Benjamin who was based in Jos in Plateau State built a house inside the family compound where his father’s house was located whereas he was not the first son.

It was gathered that their father had one late Paul as the first son before both Paul and their father died some years ago. But when their father was alive, he gave out some portion of land to Benjamin to build his house inside the compound where the family house was also located.

However, the late Paul insisted after their father died that he will inherit Benjamin’s house since it was built inside the family compound as he was the eldest son in the family. But Paul was unable to achieve that before he passed on. The fight continued between Paul’s wife, Chinyere and the late Benjamin who died recently.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that when Benjamin died, Paul’s wife, Chinyere insisted that Benjamin will not be buried inside the compound because she had a male child for her late husband Paul.
She reportedly suggested that Benjamin should be buried inside the evil forest since he had to forfeit the house he built inside the compound for Paul’s children.

Their family however kicked against that and so she arranged with some soldiers to resist bringing the late Benjamin’s corpse to be buried in the compound.
It was gathered that the when the soldiers stormed the compound to seize the corpse and take to the evil forest for burial, they were resisted by angry  youths who were supported by the elders.

Thus, the armed soldiers retreated and went away without achieving their aim.
When our correspondent visited the place, those who had earlier gone into hiding came back and the burial continued but with fear of uncertainty throughout the burial.

Some of the family members who spoke to P.M.EXPRESS condemned what happened and said that it was sacrilegious to have treated the deceased in such manner as he was well known as a strong and truthful member of the community.

When our correspondent contacted the police, the DPO Umuchu Division was not around for comment. Police sources said they were not aware of such incident and promised to monitor the burial activities which they later did.