By Ugo Okoro
Arochukwu Kingdom is marking this year’s Easter draped in an unusual mood – a blend of grief and joy – specifically saddened by the loss of her precious sons and daughters.
In the last couple of months, the ancient kingdom had been hit by a string of deaths, in a manner capable of dampening its moral psyche.
But in totality, the kingdom is consoled by the fact of its origin as God’s own people imbued with the capacity to rise above its seeming adversities.
Gunmen attack, bloodshed, abduction
Specifically on March 5, Umu Aro all over the world were woken by a devastating news – gunmen attack on the convoy of Mazi Obasi Lawson (Sobaz) along the Azumini- Ndoki road, Ukwa LGA of Abia State, neighbouring Rivers State.
The convoy was on its way back to Port Harcourt from Arochukwu.
Aro News learned that Mazi Sobaz, Mazi Confidence Chiedozie Chijioke (Dozzman) and other persons had attended a peace-seeking meeting aimed at resolving the lingering boundary issue between Atani Village and the neigbouring communities of Okpoto and Obotme in Akwa Ibom State.
During that dastardly attack, the blood-thirsty gunmen brutally terminated the life of an enterprising young man – Dozzman – along with their driver, Anayo Ukwu.
They subsequently took Mazi Sobaz captive, and forced him into the unknown, where he remained for 27 grueling days before the God of Umu Aro intervened to have him released.
Days following the tragic incident, Arochukwu Kingdom was in mourning while concerted efforts were being made to secure his release, unhurt.
Indeed, several organisations and individuals appealed to the authorities to intensify efforts to free him from his captors.
Atani community declared a period of fasting and prayer. The womenfolk routinely gathered at the village hall to offer supplications for the safe return of Mazi Lawson and the repose of the souls of Dozzman and Anayo.
The women marched round the village daily after their prayers, calling on God Almighty to intervene. There activities usually ended with a stop at the boundary between Atani, Amukwa, Isimkpu, Asaga and Amuvi. Other villages equally joined in the prayers.
Joy, gratitude to God
Soothingly, the good news came in the early hours of Monday, March 31, 2025, that Mazi Sobaz had been released by his abductors.
The news lifted the mood of Umu Aro all over the world, and they thanked God for his safe return.
On this score, Umu Aro have reason to rejoice over the safe return of a man who means so much to the ancient kingdom.
Chris Ukpabi and Sunny Onyeador to be laid to rest
Before the dastardly killing of Dozzman and Anayo and the subsequent kidnap of Mazi Sobaz, Arochukwu Kingdom was mourning the loss of one of its illustrious sons, Senator Chris Ukpabi who passed away in 2024, in the United States of America.
Chris Ukpabi, who was elected senator in 1983 on the platform of the now defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), remained one of the finest personalities that Arochukwu Kingdom has produced. He was also a gubernatorial aspirant, as well as Abia State Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
His philanthropy knew no bounds, as he touched the lives of many who came across him.
He will be laid to rest on April 21, 2025 at his country home in Atani.
Similarly, Amuvi community has been mourning the death of Mazi Sonny Onyeador, one of its illustrious sons who passed away on December 1, 2024, also in United States of America.
Aro News gathered that the late Mazi Onyeador was a philanthropic soul and a peace maker. He contributed in no small measure to the development of Amuvi Village.
He will also be laid to rest this Easter period.
Prof Humphrey Nwosu buried
Aro Kingdom also mourned the loss of Prof Humphrey Nwobu Nwosu (Ugwu Aro), who died in 2024, in the United States of America.
A native of Ajali – one of the Diaspora communities of Arochukwu Kingdom – Professor Nwosu is acclaimed to have conducted the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s political history.
The June 12, 1993 election stands out in the annals of Nigeria’s history as the best conducted.
At his burial on Friday, March 29, 2025 Umu Aro were led by His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro, to pay their last respect to him.
Ekpe Aro featured in a manner that added glamour to the funeral.
In attendance was the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, the governors of Abia and Anambra states, as well as a former governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and the Minister for Works, Senator Dave Umahi among other dignitaries.
