The leadership of Ebonyi State indigenes residing in Anambra State has clarified that the meeting during which 13 indigenes were killed was convened to address issues related to kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities involving their people.
The meeting also aimed to warn those tarnishing the state’s image with their criminal acts to desist immediately.
This clarification comes in the wake of the killing of 13 Ebonyi State indigenes on Monday during the monthly meeting of the group in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The assailants remain unidentified.
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, the Coordinator of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwaifuru’s (FON) Agenda in Anambra State and President General of Izzi Nnodo, Anambra State,Chief Moses Ofoke expressed deep regret over the killings. He assured the kinsmen, especially relatives of the deceased and the wounded, that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
According to Chief Ofoke,
“Our people were holding their usual meeting on the last Monday of the month at Ogboji when some men dressed in white and black drove in two Sienna cars. Upon arrival, they started asking about the Chairman and then suddenly opened fire on our people. Before the shooting, they shouted repeatedly that they opposed the meeting and questioned why it was being held. It was a horrific scene. Many died, and many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. We obtained full details from the Chairman and Treasurer, who survived the attack. We want to make it clear that this was an internal conflict that escalated into this ugly incident. There had been prior tensions.”
“One of the prime suspects, who was expected to attend the meeting, has been arrested by security agents. We also want to emphasize that this has absolutely nothing to do with Ndi Anambra; it is purely an Ebonyians-versus-Ebonyians conflict. Immediately after the incident, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, ordered that the deceased be taken home for proper funeral rites, while the injured were transferred from Kandudi Specialist Hospital, Achina, to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka. The delegation was led by the Anambra State Commissioner, Dr. Afam Obidike. We sincerely thank Governor Soludo and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwaifuru for their proactive interventions.”
“I received a call from His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwaifuru of Ebonyi State, who expressed serious concern about the incident and assured that he is personally involved in resolving the matter. He is determined to get to the root of the issue. The Anambra State Government has been very supportive, showing considerable concern. Security agencies are working tirelessly to unravel the mystery behind this heinous crime and apprehend the culprits.”
“I want to use this opportunity to call on all Ebonyians living in Anambra State to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. They should avoid any actions or statements that could create division or disharmony,” he added.
In separate statements, several community leaders echoed similar sentiments. Chief Onwe Monday Nwokoye, Patron of the Ebonyi State Association of Town Unions, Anambra State Chapter; Mr. Moses Agbom (Ezzinna), President General of Ikwo Development Union, Anambra State Branch; Apostle Ambassador Igbudu Chukwuemeka Nweze, delegate from Ebonyi Welfare Association/Central Executive, Anambra State; and Edeh Paul, Chairman of Izzi Nnodo, Onitsha Branch, described Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra as hardworking and law-abiding. They stressed that the few criminal elements within their community do not represent the majority.
“We want to emphasize that most Ebonyians living here are productive and law-abiding. The criminal elements constitute less than 2% of Ndi Ebonyi in Anambra. Our people are engaged in all manner of legitimate work. We encourage them to continue their lawful activities without fear of molestation or harassment. Security agencies are investigating, and their findings will be made public soon. The perpetrators will face the full force of the law,” they affirmed.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has condemned the killings in the strongest terms. In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, PhD, the government expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area.
The statement read:
“Anambra State Government is deeply saddened by the recent killing of innocent people at Ogboji. We strongly condemn this heinous act and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We assure the good people of Anambra and beyond that this incident was not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group. Preliminary investigations indicate that this unfortunate incident arose from an internal squabble.”
“The government expects the police command to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice. We assure the people of Ogboji and the entire state that we will do everything possible to ensure justice is served. We urge all residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to help apprehend the perpetrators. We remain committed to maintaining peace and security in our great state,” Mefor added.
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