The APGA candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Barr. Tochukwu Ogalagu, has called for an in-depth investigation into the death of Elder Onwe Ubochi, who was reportedly killed after attending an APGA endorsement event in Ohaukwu LGA.

Ogalagu, in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday, described the incident as “gruesome and dastardly” and urged the police and other security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Ubochi, a resident of Osege Village, Umuogudu Osha Ngbo, was said to be hale and hearty when he participated in a prayer session and endorsement of APGA candidates on Monday, August 17, 2026.

According to Ogalagu, the elder left the venue for his residence alone but was later reported missing. His family searched for him through the night before his body was reportedly found in a stream some distance from the road leading to his home.

“My dear brothers and sisters, it is with a deep sense of personal loss that I hereby condemn the gruesome murder of Elder Onwe Ubochi,” Ogalagu said.

“We have formally notified the police and the deceased’s remains have been deposited in a mortuary. No stone will be left unturned in the investigation of this dastardly murder, and the person or persons involved will surely face the law.”

The APGA candidate expressed confidence that the security agencies would conduct a professional investigation to establish what happened.

Ogalagu alleged that the killing may be connected to political threats reportedly issued in the constituency ahead of 2027, and called on security agencies to investigate threats against residents for supporting opposition parties.

“The killing of Elder Onwe Ubochi is clearly a fulfilment of the threats issued by expiring political actors in Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency,” he alleged.

He urged security agencies to go beyond the immediate case and investigate “any reported threats against residents for supporting opposition political parties or candidates.”

Ogalagu urged his supporters and residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against reprisal attacks or actions that could escalate tension.

He also charged APGA members not to be intimidated.

“No amount of threats, intimidation, political conspiracy or shedding of innocent blood will be enough to stop an idea whose time has come for fulfilment,” he declared.

The APGA candidate condoled with the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of Ubochi’s soul. He called on all political actors in the constituency to uphold peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law as activities toward 2027 intensify.

The incident comes amid heightened political activities in Ebonyi ahead of 2027. A report circulating on social media alleged that some stakeholders warned residents against supporting opposition candidates. It also linked Ubochi’s death to his endorsement of APGA.

However, the claim has not been independently verified. None of the individuals named in the social media report has been established as connected to the killing.

The police are expected to determine the circumstances of Ubochi’s death, whether there was any political motive, and identify the perpetrators if foul play is confirmed.