All seemed not to be going well at Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze of Enugu state as there has been Increasing incidents of killings in the council area.
WITHIN NIGERIA source revealed that for over half a year now, scored have either been allegedly killed by hoodlums or security outfits deployed to quell it.
One of the community leaders who spoke to our reporter under anonymity revealed that ” our communities have been overrun by hoodlums. The sad aspect of it is that the security agents like police, army and vigilante who were deployed to put the condition under control are not doing their duty.”
Narrating further, the leader told WITHIN NIGERIA that ” some of them have joined in fomenting trouble in the council area. They were even accused of killing the innocent citizens in the area, after some of our youths allegedly died under questionable circumstance.
However, on Tuesday, The Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths, CINY one of the sociocultural and interest groups in the council area released a statement, condemning the ugly trend.
The statement entitled “SECURITY OPERATIVES: STOP TRIGGER HAPPY, EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING IN IGBO EZE NORTH” and made available to our reporter accused the security operatives if alleged extrajudicial killings in the council area.
The release which was signed by its Ambassador Kelvin Eze read thus;”we express deep anger and unequivocal condemnation over the continued extrajudicial killing of innocent citizens in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area by members of the strike force and other security operatives.
“It is both alarming and unacceptable that those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and maintaining law and order have repeatedly been linked to actions that result in the loss of innocent lives. These incidents have created fear, grief, and growing distrust within our communities”
Explaining further, the group said that “we recall the painful and disturbing cases that continue to haunt our people:
“In August 2022, during the enforcement of a 6pm to 6am curfew, security operatives killed Mr. Joseph Uja under circumstances that remain deeply troubling.
“On April 15, 2024, Ofor Ugwu, popularly known as “Ofor Ofe Olubu,” was killed by security forces in Igbo Eze North.
“Most recently, Omeh Ikechukwu, also known as “Shag Omeh,” was reportedly killed by the strike force during an operation aimed at apprehending a suspected drug dealer. It has also been alleged that his motorcycle was taken by the operatives involved.
“These recurring incidents point to a dangerous pattern of excessive use of force, abuse of power, and a lack of accountability by security personnel operating within our local government.
“Our position: We state clearly and without hesitation say the lives of Igbo Eze North citizens are sacred and must not be treated with disregard. No operation, regardless of its objective, justifies the unlawful killing of innocent people.”
Appealing to the authorities concerned, the apex group said; “At this critical moment, we call on the Executive Chairman of Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, Uchenna Michael Ogalla, to take immediate and decisive steps:
“Order a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into all reported killings.
“Ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Break the cycle of silence and inaction that has characterized similar incidents in the past.
“Engage relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to establish strict operational guidelines that protect innocent civilians.
“A Call for Justice and Accountability:
We are deeply concerned that previous incidents have not resulted in visible justice. This lack of accountability has only emboldened further violations. The people of Igbo Eze North deserve protection—not fear—from those assigned to safeguard them.
“We will not remain silent in the face of injustice. We demand immediate action, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the protection of human life.”
However, all efforts to get the reactions of Police Public Relations Officer of Enugu state police command proved abortive as he was picking his calls.
