Triple Tragedy In Owerri: Inheritance Dispute Leaves Three Dead

A suspected inheritance dispute has turned deadly in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, following a series of violent incidents that have claimed the lives of three members of the same family within a short period.
Police sources confirmed that Ijioma Adaeze Onyeka, aged 39, was shot dead in the morning of 14th March, 2026, at her residence located on Oni Road, Owerri, Imo State.

 

According to preliminary findings, the fatal shooting occurred shortly after a heated domestic argument between the deceased and her husband, Mr. David Onyeka, reportedly linked to disagreements over property ownership and inheritance rights.

 

Family sources disclosed that the deceased had executed a will naming her brother, Mr. Chimezie Uchenna Anokwute, as the sole beneficiary of her property in the event of her death without surviving children. This decision was said to have caused serious tension between the couple.

 

Witnesses in the neighbourhood stated that they had previously heard threats and arguments involving the suspect.

Just two days after the initial killing, another tragedy struck. At night on 16th March 2026, unidentified armed men reportedly stormed the residence of Mr. Anokwute on Oni Road, behind Orange Room Bus Stop, Owerri, Imo State, demanding to know his whereabouts.

 

Residents reported hearing several gunshots before the attackers fled the scene.

Police later confirmed that Mrs. Obianuju Okoro Anokwute, aged 32, and her four-year old son, Master David Obinna Anokwute, were found dead inside the house with gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted at close range.

Their remains were subsequently taken to the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) mortuary for autopsy and forensic examination.

Mr. Anokwute alleged that shortly after the attack, he received a phone call from his brother-in-law, Mr. David Onyeka, who allegedly confessed to orchestrating the killings and threatened further violence unless control of the disputed inheritance was handed over.

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the prime suspect remains at large.

As of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been made.
Community leaders have described the killings as shocking and have called for urgent action from security agencies to prevent further violence.