A young Igala graduate, John Johnson, was brutally murdered and dismembered by assailants suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Zaina, near Angwar Hakimi, Orozo, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja. The horrific incident, which occurred on March 29, 2025, took place during a Boys� Brigade camping event, plunging Johnson�s family and community into deep mourning.
According to reports from SaharaReporters, Johnson, who had already suffered the loss of his father the previous year after a prolonged illness, was participating in the camp when the attack occurred. The Chief of Igala in Orozo, Amadu Zachariah, confirmed the tragedy, expressing profound sorrow and frustration over the failure of security forces to apprehend the perpetrators.
Zachariah provided a detailed account of the incident, explaining that the Boys� Brigade had organized a camp in Zaina. However, due to the threat of rain, the group relocated the children to a nearby church. Two leaders, including Johnson, returned to retrieve their belongings when they were ambushed. �Unfortunately, rain was threatening to fall that night, so they had to move the children from where they were camping to a nearby church,� Zachariah recounted. �On their way back to carry the load, people suspected to be Fulani boys laid an ambush and attacked them. One escaped, and one was killed as they ran in different directions.�
The surviving leader escaped to the village and alerted residents, who rushed back to rescue Johnson. Tragically, they arrived too late�Johnson had already been killed by the assailants. Zachariah noted that the police were informed, and an investigation revealed that Fulani herdsmen living in the area had fled the scene. �When the police arrived, they discovered that Fulani herdsmen living around the area had packed their things and run away,� he said. The leaders of the Fulani community reportedly promised to identify the killers, but as of now, no arrests have been made.
The senseless killing has left Johnson�s family, friends, and the Igala community reeling in shock and grief. Fortress Ministry Abuja, where Johnson was a devoted member, announced his death with a statement from Rev. Samuel Ikani, the church�s head. �Bro. Johnson was martyred while standing firm in his commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,� the statement read. �He lived a life of devotion, service, and unwavering love for God, inspiring us with his courage and dedication.� The church called on its members to pray for Johnson�s mother and siblings, seeking divine comfort for them during this devastating time.
Efforts to contact SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, for an official response were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages. The lack of arrests and the fleeing of the suspected herdsmen have fueled outrage and renewed calls for justice from Johnson�s community and beyond.
As the investigation continues, Johnson�s loved ones and the Fortress Ministry hold fast to their faith, finding solace in Psalm 116:15: �Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.� For now, the family and the Igala community wait in anguish, urging authorities to act swiftly to bring the culprits to justice and prevent further tragedies in the region.
The Poise NG will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
