How 13 Ebonyi youths got murdered in Anambra, FENRAD demands investigation, justice
By Charity Uwakwe
A clarion call has been made to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Director of State Security Services, and other relevant law enforcement agencies, to conduct a transparent, and independent investigation into the killings recent gruesome killing of 13 Ebonyi youths in Anambra state.
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a leading human rights and environmental justice organization in a press statement made available to Famousreporters.com, Sunday, July 6, insisting that the perpetrators of the dastardly act be brought to book.
It would be recalled that some gunmen invaded Ogboji, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday evening, killing about 13 people.
The victims were members of an association of Ebonyi indigenes holding their monthly meeting in the area at the time.
The release read in detail:
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a leading human rights and environmental justice organization, strongly condemns in unequivocal terms the brutal and senseless killing of 13 innocent Ebonyi indigenes, in Ogboji Community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
FENRAD is deeply saddened and outraged by this gruesome act, which represents a gross violation of the victims’ right to life, dignity, and safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The victims, reported to be traders and local laborers on legitimate business in Anambra State, were heinously attacked and killed under circumstances that remain deeply troubling and suspicious. We join the bereaved families, the government and people of Ebonyi State, and all well-meaning Nigerians in mourning this terrible loss.
Our Demands:
Immediate Investigation: FENRAD calls on the Inspector General of Police, the Director of State Security Services, and other relevant law enforcement authorities to launch a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the killings and bring all perpetrators to justice without delay.
Interstate Collaboration: We urge the Governors of Anambra and Ebonyi States to jointly set up an independent judicial panel of inquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of this violence and recommend appropriate actions.
Compensation for Families: The families of the deceased deserve justice and reparations. FENRAD calls on the federal and Anambra State governments to provide adequate compensation and psychological support to the affected families.
Peacebuilding Measures: We call for proactive peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives in border communities, especially in areas prone to communal tension and violence. Security presence must be enhanced while respecting human rights and community relations.
Prosecution, Not Rhetoric: While condolence messages are appreciated, what Nigerians demand is accountability. Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
- · Strengthen Early Warning and Early Response Mechanisms
Government agencies, civil society, and community leaders should collaborate to establish early warning and rapid response systems in border communities to detect and prevent violent incidents before they escalate. - · Community Sensitization and Dialogue Forums
Launch inter-community dialogue and reconciliation forums between Ebonyi and Anambra border communities to rebuild trust, promote peaceful coexistence, and address underlying tensions or land disputes fueling violence. - · Deployment of Neutral Security Forces
The federal government should deploy well-trained, impartial security operatives (such as mobile police or civil defense corps) to flashpoints—ensuring presence without bias to any community involved. - · Legislative Oversight and Public Hearing
The National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly of both Ebonyi and Anambra should institute joint oversight investigations or public hearings to expose failures in security intelligence and community protection. - · National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Intervention
The NHRC should immediately undertake a fact-finding mission to the affected area and publish a public report with recommendations for justice and compensation. - · Victim Support Fund
Create a special fund under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management or Anambra State Government to support the families of the victims with livelihood assistance, psychosocial care, and educational support for children of the deceased. - · Media and Public Accountability
Encourage responsible media coverage of the incident to ensure continued public attention and pressure on authorities, while avoiding inciting rhetoric that could deepen inter-communal tensions.
Conclusion:
This tragedy must not be allowed to repeat. The killings of innocent citizens, wherever and whenever they occur, must be met with swift justice. Nigeria must rise above ethno-political sentiments and protect every citizen equally. FENRAD will continue to monitor developments and will not hesitate to seek regional and international redress mechanisms if justice is delayed or denied.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
TEL; 08033383708, 07062949232
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COMRADE NELSON NNANNA NWAFOR
Environmental Rights Advocate & Human Rights Defender
Executive Director.
POLICE UNCOVERS MOTIVES BEGIND GRUESOME KILLING:
It will be recalled that some gunmen, on Monday evening, invaded Ogboji, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State and killed about 13 people.
The Anambra State Government has said the recent deadly attack in Anambra State was likely caused by an internal disagreement within the association of Ebonyi indigenes.
Governor Francis Nwifuru has condemned the killing of Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji community, in the Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State and called for an urgent probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Recall no fewer than 13 persons Ebonyi State indigenes were, on Monday, killed by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Ogboji community, in the Orumba South council of the state.
The PUNCH gathered that the hoodlums stormed the area late on Monday in two Sport Utility Vehicles and attacked the people, who were holding their monthly general meeting, while also shooting indiscriminately into the air.
EBONYI GOVERNOR, NWIFURU REACTS:
Nwifuru in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, described the incident as a barbaric and seamless act of violence meted on law-abiding citizens of the state.
The governor said in the statement, “This senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens is not only barbaric but a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life.
“It defies reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a meeting in a peaceful manner will be shot at on a close range. It is unacceptable, and I frown strongly at such a heinous act in its entirety.
“Governor Nwifuru has reached out to his counterpart and brother, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and urged for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into this tragic incident.”
The statement further quoted Nwifuru as saying, “He trusts that the Government of Anambra State and relevant security agencies will work swiftly to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice as failure or compromise has the potency to come in between the relationship of both states.
“While Governor Nwifuru awaits the outcome of these investigations, he has earnestly appealed to Ebonyi people, particularly the affected families and communities, to remain calm and refrain from any form of reprisal or actions that may escalate tensions.
“Such barbarism has no place in modernity and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings” the Governor assured.
“The administration in Ebonyi State remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Ebonyi people both at home and in the diaspora.”
