Picture: The deceased ( Husband and two wives) and their surviving children (in white)
By Our Correspondent
It was a deeply emotional and solemn atmosphere at Ekwuru Village, Etitilukpo, Isseke, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, as Late Chief Japhet Kennedy Igboanugo (Akulouno I of Isseke), 82, and his two wives, Lolo Alice Nwadiozo Igboanugo, 78, and Mrs Stella Igboanugo, 62, were laid to rest in separate graves within the family compound.
The burial followed a funeral service held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Isseke, on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The deceased were reportedly killed by unknown gunmen on May 23, 2025, an incident that threw the community into mourning and fear.
During the funeral sermon, the Vicar of St. Mary’s Parish and Archdeacon of Isseke Archdeaconry, Ven. Chidimma E. Awaobi, preached on “What Follows After Death,” drawing from the biblical account of the rich man and Lazarus. He reminded worshippers that death is certain for all and urged them to live in repentance and readiness, stressing that there is no opportunity for repentance after death.
He further emphasized that both the rich and the poor are subject to death, noting that life should be lived in service to God and humanity. According to him, “death has no second chance,” and believers must ensure they are spiritually prepared at all times.
Late Chief Igboanugo was widely described as a disciplined and principled community leader. He served as Chief of Protocol in the Igwe-in-Council of Isseke under His Royal Highness, Engr. Emmanuel C. Nnabuife (Ezeoha II of Isseke).
He was also a devoted Christian, chorister, and chairman within the Anglican Church Council of Isseke Archdeaconry.
He married his first wife, Lolo Alice Igboanugo (née Enwerem), in 1967, and they were blessed with eight children. His second wife, Mrs Stella Igboanugo, joined the family in the early 1980s, and they also had five children.
The funeral featured hymns and choral performances by St. Mary’s Choir and St. Silas Cathedral Church, Ihiala, creating a reflective atmosphere as mourners paid their last respects.
Members of the Isseke Progress Union (IPU), in-laws, friends, and well-wishers attended the ceremony in large numbers. The IPU interim leadership, led by Hon.
Pharm. Kingsley Okafor Eze, described the late Chief as a man of peace and urged unity and rebuilding within the community.
He also assured that Isseke is gradually returning to peace and encouraged indigenes in the diaspora to return home and contribute to the town’s development.
Security personnel, including local homeland security operatives, were present to ensure order during the burial.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the first son, Emeka Igboanugo, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to all who stood by them during the tragic loss. He pledged that the family would continue to uphold the good legacies of their late parents.
The deceased are survived by thirteen children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members.
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Anambra burial news, Isseke Ihiala, Igboanugo family, Nigerian community news, Anglican Church funeral, Ihiala Local Government, security in Anambra, obituary report, Eastern Nigeria news, Chief Japhet Igboanugo
