By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
31- OCT- 2025

Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State was thrown into deep mourning on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, following the tragic death of a local vigilante member, Mr. Israel Ewuzie, popularly known as Araka or Azaman the Playmaker. The deceased, a native of Umuekenekpu Village in Ndegwu Community, was allegedly shot dead by a fellow vigilante operative, Mr. Ebere, widely known as Eby Boy, from the neighbouring Orogwe Community.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred shortly after a burial ceremony in Ndegwu, when the two vigilante officers responded to a heated confrontation among a group of youths. In an attempt to restore order, Eby Boy reportedly cocked his rifle to fire a warning shot into the air but tragically pulled the trigger at close range, striking his colleague, Araka, in the chest.

The victim was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical personnel reportedly declined to admit him due to the severity of his injuries. Efforts to transfer him to another facility proved futile, as he succumbed to his wounds before reaching the hospital.

The shocking incident has plunged the Ndegwu and Orogwe communities into sorrow, with residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of their most respected community security operatives. The late Araka was described by locals as a peace-loving, humble, and selfless individual who dedicated his time and energy to ensuring the safety of his community.

Community elders, youth leaders, and residents who spoke with journalists described his death as both painful and avoidable. Many called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragic shooting, demanding that justice be served to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited in a nearby mortuary as security agencies intensify efforts to unravel the exact details surrounding the incident. Local sources confirmed that the Imo State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation to determine whether the shooting was purely accidental or the result of negligence.

In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders have appealed for calm and restraint, urging residents of both Ndegwu and Orogwe to allow the police and relevant authorities to handle the matter lawfully. They also called on the Imo State Government to strengthen oversight mechanisms for vigilante operations and ensure that only qualified personnel are entrusted with firearms.

As at press time, the Imo State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the incident. However, sources within the command hinted that preliminary findings point to accidental discharge as the cause of death.

The devastating loss of Mr. Israel Ewuzie has not only created a vacuum in Ndegwu’s local security network but also rekindled urgent conversations about the safety protocols guiding community policing efforts across the state.

May the soul of the late Israel Ewuzie (Araka) rest in peace.