By Ado Oyeyemi
Residents of Amoka Village in Nru, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been gripped by tension following the death of a 19-year-old boy, Chiadikaobi Asadu, under controversial circumstances linked to an allegation of theft.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on May 23, has sparked widespread concern within the community, with calls for a thorough investigation into the teenager’s death.
According to community sources, Chiadikaobi was accused of taking N17,000 belonging to his father to purchase a mobile phone.
The teenager reportedly denied the allegation when confronted.
Sources said the accusation led to a physical confrontation, during which his father allegedly punished him.
The situation was said to have escalated after some male relatives reportedly joined in disciplining the teenager.
Witnesses alleged that Chiadikaobi was later taken to a secluded area, tied to a tree and subjected to a prolonged beating.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the teenager endured hours of assault before being released later in the day and instructed to take a bath.
However, concerns arose when family members reportedly received no response from him while he was in the bathroom. According to sources, the door was eventually forced open and the teenager was found unconscious. He was subsequently confirmed dead.
The incident has generated further controversy following allegations that attempts were made to conceal the circumstances surrounding the death.
Some residents claimed the deceased was buried the same day, while explanations were circulated that he had suffered an accident in the bathroom after taking medication.
The matter reportedly took a different turn when security operatives visited the community the following day.
Residents alleged that the teenager’s father accused some local youths of involvement in the incident, leading to a number of arrests.
Community members said the development heightened tensions in the area and prompted the intervention of military personnel, who reportedly advised law enforcement authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
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Meanwhile, residents have continued to demand justice, urging authorities to establish the true circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
