Burial Dispute in Uruagu Village: Udo Ga Chi, Commissioner Intervene to Restore Peace

By Karen James

A burial ceremony in Uruagu Village, Oba, nearly erupted into violence following a heated family dispute over the final resting place of the late Mrs. Catharine Ejikeme Nuogo.

The situation escalated until the swift intervention of Udo Ga Chi, a respected local peacekeeping group, and the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo, helped restore calm.

According to reports, the conflict began when a disagreement arose between Mr. Ejikeme and his children from a previous marriage regarding where within the family compound their late mother should be buried.

Sources revealed that prior to her death, Mr. Ejikeme had divided his properties between his two wives following years of domestic tension. The first wife, the late Catharine, was allocated the main family compound, while the second wife was given a separate plot. However, lingering animosity within the family resurfaced during the burial arrangements.

Eyewitnesses stated that Mr. Ejikeme insisted on burying his late wife on the right side of the house. His children, however, strongly objected, demanding that she be interred on the left side. The disagreement quickly escalated from verbal exchanges to physical confrontations, drawing the attention of neighbors and passersby.

Alarmed by the growing unrest, members of Udo Ga Chi, led by respected community mediator Mr. Tony Anugo Anaemesim, arrived at the scene to de-escalate tensions and prevent violence.

Witnesses confirmed that Mr. Anaemesim acted purely as a mediator and was not involved in any physical altercation. Nevertheless, allegations later surfaced accusing him of taking sides , claims widely dismissed by residents as politically motivated, particularly in the context of the upcoming local elections.

“It’s unfortunate that some individuals are trying to tarnish the image of Udo Ga Chi and its members,” said a community elder who was present at the scene.

“Mr. Tony did not raise a hand against anyone. He came, calmed the situation, and left peacefully.”the eyewitnesses said.

The Udo Ga Chi group has since reaffirmed its neutrality and ongoing commitment to maintaining peace in the community.

Demonstrating leadership and compassion, Honourable Commissioner Ify Obinabo arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the unrest. Her timely intervention was instrumental in resolving the dispute, ultimately ensuring that the deceased was buried in accordance with her children’s wishes at approximately 8:00 p.m. on October 10, 2025.

Mrs. Catharine Ejikeme Nuogo was finally laid to rest peacefully following mediation efforts led by community leaders and the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs.