A wave of sorrow swept through Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the remains of three siblings—Chikaima Daviana Ejezie (9), Chimziterem Dominica Ejezie (8), and Chimdirim David Ejezie (5)—were laid to rest on Saturday.
The children, whose lives were tragically cut short by unknown assailants, were discovered lifeless inside a freezer on February 1 in their home in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area. Their shocking deaths sent ripples of grief and fear through the community, leaving family, friends, and neighbours struggling to comprehend the brutal act.
At St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Umueze Uga, where the burial was held, the atmosphere was thick with anguish. Tears flowed freely as mourners gathered to bid farewell.
Addressing the heartbroken congregation, the Archbishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Cardinal Ebere Okpalaeke, likened the tragedy to the biblical tale of Cain and Abel.
“Killing has existed since the beginning of time, but it is always met with divine justice,” he declared solemnly. “Cain was punished for taking his brother’s life. Likewise, those responsible for this cruel act will face the wrath of God. These children have become martyrs, and anyone who had a hand in their deaths will not know peace.”
As the funeral service concluded, the grief intensified. Dressed in black, mourners wept openly. The parents of the slain children, Mr. and Mrs. Udochukwu Ejezie, were inconsolable.
“This is a nightmare we cannot wake up from. Our hearts have been shattered into pieces. How do we live with this emptiness?” the grieving father managed to say, his voice shaking.
His wife, too overwhelmed to speak, trembled silently as sympathizers surrounded her, offering what little comfort they could. Among the mourners were the children’s classmates, their young faces etched with confusion and sorrow.
As the three small coffins were lowered into the ground, the crowd erupted into fresh wails—a final, painful goodbye to lives lost too soon.
