Barely three days after the alleged gruesome killing of one Joseph Ujah of Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North local government area of Enugu state, Enugu youths group has frowned at the incessant molestation and killing of the residents in the council area by security personnel.
The group under the aegis of Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths, CINY in a Press release on Tuesday the group asked the Police Authority to ensure that justice is done in the case.
The release entitled “Silence over Joseph Ujah’s killing: A threat to justice in Igbo-Eze North” which was signed by the Media Secretary, Kenneth Odo and made available to Within Nigeria lamented that since the incident happened, it has thrown the entire council area into a state of uncertainty.
“Since Saturday, 6th August, 2022, the whole Igbo Eze North Local Government Area has been cold over the alleged killing of one Mr. Joseph Ujah from Igogoro, Enugu Ezike who lives in Ogrute around 8:00 pm by men of the Anti-Kidnap Squad, a division of the Nigeria Police. According to reports, the officers of the AKS were after a vehicle that looked suspicious when they unintentionally shot Mr. Joseph on the chest and he dropped dead instantly. This took place during the period of enforcing the current curfew in the local government area. Be that as it may, one would always ask oneself how a bullet targeted at the tires of a vehicle could fly up to the chest level of a tall man as Joseph.
“In some other local government areas where there had ever been curfews, the enforcers of the curfews would always arrest any violator they saw instead of shooting at the person. The typical question on the lips of every Igbo Eze North person is whether we’re in another civil war. In a democratic society, do the law enforcement agents kill any citizen they see or arrest the citizens when they go wrong for prosecution and imposing of the supposed penalties and fines?
“In Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, we are always the best at supporting any incumbent government. A typical example is the election period in Igbo Eze North. Such does not actually mean naivety, ignorance or cowardice. It simply means that our people are peaceful and welcoming to any people-oriented government. Why is our own case now different? Why does the same government we have been supporting and applauding pay us back with indifference? Why is no one raising the compass of justice as to fish out who killed our brother, the reason and possible justice? Even in the moment of civil unrest (which happens in every other town this time), do you go about deliberately or indeliberately killing the same citizens you were expected to protect?
“The Concerned Igbo Eze North Youths CINY is by this medium asking for justice. It was Joseph Ujah on Saturday; it could be you, your brother or your son next tomorrow. A once peaceful community should not be turned to a theatre of bloodshed because it hasn’t hurt some people today. What if the table turns round tomorrow?
“Not up to one month after the soldiers tortured a retired Superintendent of Police and President General of Imufu Town Union for no just cause in addition to other instances of extortion and molestations on the people, a man who said “I will be back” to his wife and children on Saturday is about to be committed to mother Earth.”
Within Nigeria gathered that with the alleged killing of Mr. Joseph Ujah, the security situation in thee council area has literally deteriorated, leading to many residents fleeing to other neighbouring communities like Oboll-Afor, Ibagwa-Aka and Ovoko.
