Ebonyi group condemns killings in Anambra, calls for justice
The Ebonyi Unity Forum in Anambra State has condemned the reported killing of a young woman and an 18-year-old boy in Aguata Local Government Area, urging security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure justice is served.
The group also appealed to residents of the affected communities to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions that could worsen tensions.
The incidents involved the alleged murder of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini by her boyfriend following a reported breakup, and the killing of an 18-year-old boy by his father. Both incidents occurred in Uga and Ori-Eri communities, respectively.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the forum’s President-General, Chief Moses Ofoke and the Secretary, Aloke Stanley, the organization expressed concern over the killings and the reported stigmatization of some Ebonyi indigenes in the area.
The forum distanced itself from the alleged actions, stressing that the conduct of individuals should not be used to judge or discriminate against the entire Ebonyi population.
It said its representatives had visited the State Criminal Investigation Department in Anambra to engage relevant authorities and obtain information about the incidents.
The group subsequently held an emergency meeting attended by the Traditional Leader of Non-Indigenes Living in Anambra State, HRH Igwe Amos Nkwuda, and other officials to discuss the situation.
Ofoke said no disagreement, provocation, relationship dispute or family misunderstanding could justify the unlawful taking of another person's life.
“The killing of a girlfriend or one’s own child is an act that demands serious attention from the authorities and society at large. Human life is sacred, and disputes must be resolved through peaceful, lawful, and responsible means rather than violence,” he said.
The forum extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called on the Anambra State Police Command, the State CID and other relevant security agencies to conduct comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigations into both cases.
It urged the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The organization also called for professional handling of the investigations to prevent similar incidents and ensure that justice is achieved without further inflaming tensions.
Warning against collective blame, the forum maintained that the alleged actions of individuals did not represent the character, identity or values of the people of Ebonyi State.
It reaffirmed the commitment of Ebonyi indigenes living in Anambra to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cordial relations with their host communities.
The group further urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organizations and other stakeholders to work together to preserve peace.
It cautioned residents against spreading unverified information, making inflammatory comments or taking the law into their own hands, insisting that the reported killings should not undermine relations between Ebonyi indigenes and their host communities.
The forum reiterated its call for justice, accountability and the protection of human life, stressing that peace must be maintained while the relevant authorities investigate the incidents.
Ebonyi group condemns killings in Anambra, calls for justice