The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of a prominent All Progressives Congress chieftain, Ikechukwu Oloto, popularly known as “Okanga Mo,” in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
Oloto, aged about 53, was reportedly attacked at his residence in the Odenigbo area of Nsukka on Thursday, September 17, 2026. His death comes as political activities gradually intensify across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the police, officers received information at approximately 5:45 p.m. that a man had been discovered in a pool of blood inside a residence in the area.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the location, where they found Oloto suffering from serious injuries. The command said he had deep suspected machete wounds to his head and stomach.
The injured politician was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. However, an attending doctor reportedly confirmed that he had died before treatment could save his life.
His remains were later deposited at a mortuary, where they are expected to be preserved pending an autopsy and further investigation.
The police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident while responding to inquiries about the politician’s death. He said investigators were working to establish exactly what happened and identify those responsible.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of Ikechukwu Oloto,” the police spokesperson said.
The command has also commenced a manhunt for the suspected attacker or attackers. As of Friday, September 18, however, the police had not announced any arrest in connection with the killing.
Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the attack. In particular, the police have not publicly linked the killing to Oloto’s political activities or the approaching 2027 elections.
Reports circulating on social media have offered varying accounts of the incident, including claims about the weapons allegedly used by the attackers. However, the official police account so far refers to deep suspected machete injuries.
Oloto was regarded as an active figure within APC circles in Enugu State and was known in Nsukka political circles by his nickname, “Okanga Mo.”
His killing has attracted attention because of the wider political atmosphere in Enugu, where several incidents involving political gatherings have recently been reported. The police have separately investigated attacks involving political groups in the state, including incidents in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The latest incident has therefore added to security concerns surrounding political activities in the state, although investigators have not said that Oloto’s death was politically motivated.
The APC has previously rejected allegations linking the party or its leaders to political violence in Enugu and called for impartial investigations into reported incidents.
For now, the circumstances surrounding Oloto’s death remain under investigation. Police authorities are expected to examine evidence from the scene, establish the sequence of events and determine who was responsible.
The planned autopsy could also provide investigators with additional information as they attempt to reconstruct the events leading to the politician’s death.
Oloto’s killing is the latest violent incident involving a political figure in Nigeria as parties and their supporters begin preparations for the 2027 elections. Security agencies have repeatedly faced calls to ensure that political activities can take place without intimidation or violence.
While the police have begun efforts to identify those behind the attack, the circumstances of the case remain unresolved. No individual or group has been officially accused of the killing.
The Enugu State Police Command has urged the public to allow investigators to carry out their work as efforts continue to uncover the facts behind the death of the APC chieftain.
Further developments are expected as the manhunt progresses and investigators establish more details about the attack.
