A violent attack linked to an alleged forced marriage pursuit has left at least three members of a family dead and their home razed in Isiala Mbano LGA in Imo State, forcing a woman identified as Chikadibia Jonathan Amadi into hiding.

Residents said the incident occurred when armed thugs stormed the Amadi family compound in search of Chika, who had reportedly fled the community years earlier following persistent pressure to marry a local figure, Chief Okocha Eze.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived at the residence heavily armed and immediately demanded information about Chikadibia’s whereabouts. One of the victims, Mr. Obinna Amadi, was said to have informed them that she had left the community since 2020.

His response allegedly angered the assailants, who shot him in the chest at close range. The gunmen then turned on another family member, identified as Chidi Amadi, demanding further details and contact information that could lead them to Chikadibia.

In a desperate attempt to escape, Chidi reportedly fled the scene but was shot from behind by the attackers. The sound of gunfire drew other members of the household into the unfolding violence.

Another victim, Okey Amadi, who was inside the house at the time, attempted to escape through the back of the compound but reportedly ran into one of the armed men and was shot without hesitation.

After neutralising the occupants, the attackers allegedly entered the house in search of their primary target. Witnesses said they thoroughly ransacked the rooms, leaving belongings scattered as they searched for any trace of Chikadibia Jonathan Amadi.

When their search proved unsuccessful, the gunmen reportedly set the building ablaze before fleeing the area, leaving the structure completely destroyed and the community in shock.

The attack has heightened tension in the community, with residents expressing fear over rising cases of violent intimidation tied to Chief Okocha Eze’s alleged betrothed of Chikadibia Jonathan Amadi to him by her late father Mr Julius Amadi. Many have called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further bloodshed.

Meanwhile, Chikadibia Jonathan Amadi is said to be on the run, fearing for her life as those behind the attack remain at large, raising serious concerns about safety, justice, and the persistence of coercive practices in parts of the country.