The name Aloysius Ikegwuonu has been trending on social media since the devastating attacks at St. Philip’s Catholic church in Ozubulu, Anambra State.
The name Aloysius Ikegwuonu has been trending on social media since the devastating attacks at St. Philip’s Catholic church in Ozubulu, Anambra State. Many had concluded it was as a result of a fall out between two brothers based abroad, something governor Willie Obiano equally confirmed.
According to The Cable, reports have it that the gunman had invaded the Catholic church in search of Aloysius Ikegwuonu, popularly known as ‘Bishop’, who is said to be having a prolonged misunderstanding with a relative whose name is yet to be ascertained. Although not much is known about Ikegwuonu, there are reports that he is a drug dealer based in South Africa.
According to reports, in 2015, a gang war broke out in South Africa between two drug cartels which led to the deaths of over 15 people, both in South Africa and Nigeria. Despite the negative reputation, people in his community see him as a philanthropist. Alousius Ikegwuonu is said to have tarred some roads in his community, Amakwa Ozubulu in Ekwusigo local government area and also contributed to the building of St. Aloysius Church of Divine Mercy, Ozubulu, Anambra State.
In fact, on May 1, 2017, the governor was billed to inaugurate some of the roads Ikegwuonu tarred in his community. Although it couldn’t be confirmed if the governor later did, the commissioning was to hold alongside Ikegwonu’s 36th birthday celebration at St Philip’s, same Catholic church where the bloodbath took place two months after. Ikegwuonu is also said to have a non-governmental organization, Ebubechukwu Uzo Foundation Ozubulu which is focused on improving the lives of members of his community as well as neighbouring communities.
Aloysius Ikegwuonu, drug baron believed to be the target of Catholic church shooting in Anambra State
Among the organisation’s objectives, is to assist churches in various ways in order to bring people nearer to God. Other objectives are to assist in the development of quality education for children, youth and adults as well as to help improve healthcare services for the people. On March 9, 2016, Ikegwuonu had instituted a salary scheme for the people of Ozubulu, including the aged.
He was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Akuchinyere Nwata 1, Ebubechukwu Uzo Ozubuku by the Igwe of Umuje for his kind gesture to the indigenes of Umuje. And on December 2014 Ikegwuonu was also conferred with the ozo title, one of the most revered positions in Igbo land by the same Igwe of Umuje.
