By Princely Onyenwe | Imo State
IHIAGWA, IMO STATE – Tears, tributes and heartfelt reflections marked the burial of retired Superintendent of Police, Victor Ibe Nmeziegbulam, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Ihiagwa, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
Described by family members and community associates as a jovial, peace-loving and compassionate man, the late Nmeziegbulam was remembered for his commitment to protecting lives, defending people’s rights and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Born into the Frederick Nmezi family of Umunyehem, Umulowo, Umuchima, Ihiagwa, the deceased was the sixth child in his family. He served the Nigeria Police Force in various capacities across several states of the federation, including Ondo, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Benue, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu, among others.
Throughout his policing career, he was described as an agile and dedicated officer who discharged his responsibilities in different operational and administrative departments before retiring as a Superintendent of Police.
Beyond his professional career, Nmeziegbulam remained actively involved in community affairs after retirement. Until his death, he served as the secretary of his kindred, contributing to community organisation, family unity and grassroots development.
A devoted Christian of the Anglican tradition, he came from a family with a longstanding connection to the establishment of Anglican Christianity in the area.
Family members recalled his close relationship with relatives, particularly his only sister, who is married into the family of the late Sir Emmanuel Obinnaya Onyenwe of Umuoma Nekede, Owerri West. She is a retired classroom head teacher and guidance counsellor, and a proud mother of progressive children who have distinguished themselves in their respective endeavours.
The deceased is survived by his wife, children, brothers, sister and other relatives.
Nmeziegbulam’s death reportedly occurred shortly after he participated in a communal exercise at the waterside, where members of the Umunyehem family had gathered to organise and demarcate their respective portions of family land.
According to family accounts, he suddenly became weak during the exercise and was taken home. He reportedly passed away before arrangements could be completed to take him to the hospital.
At his funeral service held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Ihiagwa, the officiating clergyman drew lessons from the biblical account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31, highlighting the realities of eternity and the importance of maintaining a good relationship with God during one’s lifetime.
The priest explained that material wealth and riches were not wrong when acquired and managed in accordance with God’s principles, but stressed that earthly possessions alone could not guarantee eternal life.
He further noted that poverty was not an automatic qualification for heaven, just as wealth was not a disqualification. According to him, what matters is a person’s relationship with God and willingness to live according to His will.
The clergyman sympathised with the Nmezi family over the loss of a prominent member and prayed for God’s acceptance of the deceased’s soul and comfort for the bereaved family.
The funeral attracted a large gathering of mourners, including security and intelligence personnel, politicians, community leaders, youth representatives and other well-wishers. Several attendees also came through the deceased’s matrilineal family connections in Nekede.
For those who knew him, Victor Ibe Nmeziegbulam’s passing represents the loss of a family man, retired police officer and community servant whose life was associated with friendship, peace-making and service to humanity.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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