Tragedy strikes in Enugwu Village of Nanka in Anambra State, as a 32 year-old ‘social lady’ gets brutally killed by her mentally unstable cousin
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
A dark cloud has fallen over Enugwu Village of Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the brutal killing of 32 year-old Lillian Nzubechukwu Uchenwoke, fondly called “Social Lady.”
The vibrant and hardworking young woman was struck to death with a mortar by her mentally unstable cousin on June 13, 2025 in an attack that jolted and left the community devastated.
Tentacle learnt that Lillian had gone to graze her father’s sheep when her cousin, described as mentally unwell, suddenly attacked her as eye witnesses affirmed that the blow to her head was fatal, ending her life instantly.
The entire Nanka Community was thrown into mourning as friends, family and neighbours struggled to come to terms with the incident. Lillian, who will be remembered for her humility, cheerfulness and devotion to family, was described as “a light whose shine was cut short too soon.”
Her funeral mass was held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at her father’s compound in Enugwu Village where hundreds gathered to pay their final respects. On Sunday, August 31, 2025, a solemn thanksgiving mass followed at St. Gregory De Great Church, Enugwu Nanka, celebrating her short but impactful life.
Many who attended the service wept openly as testimonies poured in about Lillian’s kindness and her role as a dedicated daughter and community figure. “Ada, it is well with your soul. You were loved deeply and you will never be forgotten,” one of the mourners who wept profusely, said.
The senseless act has reignited calls from activists and health professionals for urgent mental health reforms in Nigeria, stressing that untreated psychiatric cases often spill into deadly outcomes for innocent families. They expressed with dismay about Nigeria’s lack of mental health intervention system particularly in rural areas.
A psychiatric health practitioner, Dr. Jones Peters advised that more resources must be invested in awareness, treatment and community-head support structures to prevent similar tragedies.
“As the Uchenwoke Family continues to grieve, their pain has become a rallying cry for change; Lillian’s memory now stands as both a reminder of the nation’s mental health crisis and a call to action to protect vulnerable individuals and families from preventable loss”. Dr. Peter further stressed.
Still on shocking attacks in Anambra State, the Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in separate cases of child defilement across the state, including a barber accused of assaulting a 14 years old girl who had gone to his shop for a haircut.
In a statement, issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department following reports from Oba, Eziowelle and Ogidi Division.
According to the Police, the first case was reported on August 19, 2025, at Oba Division, where one Ihechiluru Okorie was arrested for allegedly defiling a 14 years old girl inside his barber shop. The suspect is said to have confessed to the crime.
The second incident occurred on August 13, 2025 in Eziowelle. Chidubem Udem aged 28 was arrested for allegedly defiling a five year-old girl at her grandmother’s residence. Medical examination at a hospital later confirmed the assault.
In the third case, reported on August 28, 2025, operatives of Ogidi Division arrested Kalu Ilo, aged 30 for allegedly assaulting his neighbour’s 13 year-old daughter, who is mentally challenged. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect unlawfully entered the victim’s home in Nkpor before committing the act.
Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Ikioye Orutugu condemned the crimes and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to securing justice for the victims and charged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and report any cases of sexual or gender-based violence without delay.
