Chinedum Treasure
Ebonyi Unity Forum, Anambra State has described as deeply disturbing and totally condemnable two separate incidents of gruesome killings involving indigenes of the state in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
One of the incidents involved murder of Miss Mmesoma, a young lady from Uga, allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Ofoke Emmanuel Chima, while the second involved the killing of an 18-year-old boy at Ora-Eri, reportedly by his own father, an Ebonyi indigene, Mr John Ezeh.
The forum, in a statement signed by its President General, Chief Moses Chukwuma Ofoke, CEO of Mosfrank Int’l and Secretary, Comrade Aloke Nnabuike Stanley said the incidents constitute grave violation of sanctity of human life, saying they run contrary to cherished cultural values and moral principles of the people of the state.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the group called for justice, as well as comprehensive, impartial, and transparent investigations to establish full circumstances surrounding both incidents.
It further appealed for peace and restraint among the affected communities and the public, just as it discouraged retaliation, spread of unverified information, inflammatory comments, and any action capable of causing further tension or threatening the peace of the affected communities.
The statement reads in part, “The Forum condemns in the strongest possible terms the reported killings in Aguata Local Government Area.
“We maintain that no disagreement, provocation, relationship dispute, or family misunderstanding can 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.
“The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of late Miss Mmesoma of Uga and to the family of the 18-year-old boy who was reportedly killed at Ori-Eri, particularly his mother and other immediate relatives.
“We recognise the pain and emotional trauma associated with the loss of loved ones under such tragic circumstances.
“We pray that Almighty God will comfort the bereaved families, grant them the strength to endure these difficult moments, and give them the fortitude to bear their irreparable losses. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
“The Forum calls on the Anambra State Police Command, the State CID, and all relevant security agencies to conduct comprehensive, impartial, and transparent investigations into both incidents.
“We urge the authorities to establish the facts surrounding each case and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought before the appropriate court and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Forum believes that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. We further appeal to the authorities to handle the cases diligently and professionally to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents.
The forum however distanced people of the state from the alleged act, stressing that such conduct of any individual did not represent collective character, identity, or values of the people of the state.
“The Forum wishes to state categorically that the alleged actions of individuals must not be used to judge or stigmatise the entire Ebonyi population. The alleged conduct of any individual does not represent the collective character, identity, or values of Ndi Ebonyi.
“Ebonyi people are widely recognised for their hard work, peaceful disposition, resilience, hospitality, and commitment to productive living. We therefore dissociate the Forum and the wider Ebonyi community from any act of violence and criminality.
“As Ebonyi indigenes residing in Anambra State, we remain committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and the maintenance of cordial relationships with our host communities.
“The Forum appeals to Ebonyi indigenes living in Anambra State, the people of Uga and Ori-Eri, community leaders, youths, and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding while the relevant authorities investigate the incidents.
“We strongly discourage retaliation, the spread of unverified information, inflammatory comments, and any action capable of causing further tension or threatening the peace of the affected communities. No individual or group should take the law into their own hands.
“We also call on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to work together to preserve peace and ensure that these unfortunate incidents do not undermine the cordial relationship between Ebonyi indigenes and their host communities.
“Ebonyi Unity Forum, Anambra State, remains committed to collaborating with security agencies and community leadership in promoting peace, protecting human lives, and defending the dignity of every individual.
“The occurrence of two tragic killings within the same local government area is deeply painful and calls for serious reflection and decisive action.
“The loss of innocent lives is a tragedy that affects not only the immediate families but also the wider communities to which the deceased belonged.
“The Forum reiterates its unwavering condemnation of violence in all its forms and calls for justice, compassion, accountability, and peaceful coexistence.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and trust that the relevant authorities will conduct thorough investigations and ensure that justice is served.
“Our message is clear: violence is unacceptable, human life must be protected, justice must prevail, and peace must be preserved among all communities.”
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