Grief, anger and calls for justice have gripped Owa Alero following the tragic death of seven-year-old Master Progress Ifeanyi, as the Owa monarch, His Royal Majesty, Dr. E. O. Efeizomor II, OON, JP, called for a full and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The monarch made the call on Saturday, August 29, 2026, while addressing journalists, community leaders, elders, religious leaders, women and youths during a press briefing on the incident.
Describing the death of the child as a painful tragedy that had shaken the community, the monarch said the loss had inflicted deep emotional wounds on the deceased’s family and the entire Owa Kingdom.
Progress Ifeanyi reportedly died in Owa Alero on November 23, 2024, under circumstances that have continued to raise serious concerns within the community.
At the press briefing, allegations were raised suggesting that the child was allegedly lured from his home by Destiny Lawrence, also known as “Samanja,” a native of Owa Alero, following an alleged request by a man identified as Onyeka, said to be a native doctor from Idumuesah.
The allegations further claimed that the child was subsequently killed in a brutal manner and that his blood was drained from his body for alleged ritual purposes. Another individual, identified as Jonah from Otolokpo, was also mentioned in connection with the allegations.
However, the allegations have not been established as facts in a court of law, and the monarch stressed the need for investigators to establish the truth through credible evidence and due process.
Dr. Efeizomor called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and investigative agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation, preserve and examine all available evidence, and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
“No person is above the law,” the monarch declared.
He said social status, wealth, political influence or traditional position should not shield anyone found culpable from facing the law.
‘Their grief is our grief’
The monarch expressed his condolences to the parents, relatives and loved ones of the deceased, saying no parent should be forced to endure the pain of losing a child under such disturbing circumstances.
He said the tragedy had become a source of collective mourning for Owa Alero and the wider Owa Kingdom.
“Human life is sacred,” the monarch said, emphasizing that no cultural practice, spiritual belief, ritual activity, personal ambition or quest for wealth could justify the killing of an innocent child.
Monarch warns against reprisal
Amid the emotions surrounding the case, Dr. Efeizomor appealed particularly to youths in Owa Alero and neighbouring communities to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands.
He warned against revenge attacks, violence, destruction of property and mob action, stressing that further bloodshed would only deepen the suffering caused by the tragedy.
The monarch urged residents to allow the appropriate authorities to investigate and determine the facts.
“Owa Kingdom does not condone human sacrifice, ritual murder, or any practice that violates the sanctity of human life,” he said.
He stressed that if any individual was found to have committed such an abominable act, the person should answer personally before the law and should not be used as a basis for condemning an entire community or group.
‘Let the truth come out’
The monarch appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading rumours or unverified claims capable of inflaming tensions or jeopardising the investigation.
He said justice must be based on evidence rather than anger, sentiments, influence or speculation.
His message was unequivocal: “Let the truth come out, let justice prevail, let the innocent be protected, and let anyone found responsible for this painful and wicked act face the full weight of the law.”
Dr. Efeizomor also said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to parents, community leaders and society at large to strengthen efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons.
He concluded by praying for God’s comfort for the family of Progress Ifeanyi, the people of Owa Alero and the entire Owa Kingdom.
He also prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of the deceased child.
As the community mourns, attention now turns to the investigative authorities to establish what happened to seven-year-old Progress Ifeanyi and ensure that justice, based on credible evidence and the rule of law, is served.