By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Kenneth Nwiboko, his wife, and their nine-year-old son are receiving intensive medical treatment after being allegedly tortured and banished by members of Ndebor Idembia Ishieke community in Ebonyi Local Government, Ebonyi State, over a chieftaincy dispute.
Sampson Oko Nweke, a human rights activist who visited the family in Abakaliki, described their condition as “pathetic.” According to Nweke, the victims were assaulted for approximately four hours, during which Nwiboko’s knees and ankles were broken, his waist shattered, and his family tied together with palm fronds. He was reportedly placed in a wheelbarrow and paraded through Ishieke and Ukwuachi markets before being taken to his hostels to display them to students who occupy his properties.
The attackers also issued a 24-hour quit notice to all tenants, seized phones, and looted livestock, household items, and money. The incident reportedly followed a dispute over the selection of the new Igwe of Ndebor Ishieke Autonomous Community. Nwiboko had challenged the process legally after his stepbrother, Chief Awoke Nwiboko, was crowned in September 2024.
Nweke, Chairman of Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE) in Ebonyi, stated that investigations have commenced to ensure justice. He called on authorities to intervene, demand restitution, and prevent further escalation. HURIDE, in collaboration with the Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Centre (HRCRC) and other organizations, plans to take all lawful measures to safeguard the victims’ rights.