L-R: President-General, Ebonyi Unity Forum, Chief Moses Ofoke; Traditional Leader of Non-Indigenes Living in Anambra State, HRH Igwe Amos Nkwuda; and Secretary, Ebonyi Unity Forum, Aloke Stanley, after the emergency meeting of the group. Photo: Ebonyi Forum
The Ebonyi Unity Forum in Anambra State has condemned two separate killings recently reported in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, allegedly involving indigenes of Ebonyi State, and urged affected communities to shun reprisals.
The incidents involved the alleged killing of a 23-year-old woman, Mmesoma Umeorini, by her boyfriend after she reportedly ended their relationship, and the alleged killing of an 18-year-old boy by his father.
The incidents, which occurred in Uga and Ori-Eri communities, respectively, have reportedly led to the profiling and stigmatisation of some individuals in the communities.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the President-General and Secretary of the forum, Chief Moses Ofoke and Aloke Stanley, respectively, the group condemned the killings and appealed for peace and restraint among the affected communities and the general public.
It dissociated itself from the alleged acts, saying the actions of individuals should not be used to judge or stigmatise the entire Ebonyi population.
The forum said, “The leadership and entire membership of Ebonyi Unity Forum, Anambra State, have received with profound shock, grief, and dismay reports of two separate incidents of gruesome killings involving Ebonyi indigenes in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The Forum received information concerning the murder of Miss Mmesoma, a young lady from Uga, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, where Ofoke Chima, a native of Ntezi-Aba, in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was identified in connection with the incident as the man who allegedly murdered her.
“Information available to the Forum indicates that the deceased and Ofoke Chima had been in a relationship for approximately five to six years. The Forum also received reports of the gruesome killing of an 18-year-old boy at Ori-Eri, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State. The boy was reportedly killed by his own father, an indigene of Ebonyi State. The Forum views these incidents with grave concern and calls for a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.”
The group said its representatives had visited the State Criminal Investigation Department in Anambra to seek information and engage relevant authorities over the incidents.
It added that an emergency meeting was subsequently held, with the Traditional Leader of Non-Indigenes Living in Anambra State, HRH Igwe Amos Nkwuda, and other officials in attendance.
On behalf of the forum, Ofoke said no disagreement, provocation, relationship dispute or family misunderstanding could 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,” he said.
The forum extended its condolences to the families of Mmesoma and the 18-year-old boy, praying that God would comfort them and grant them the strength to bear their losses.
It also called on the Anambra State Police Command, the State CID and other relevant security agencies to conduct comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigations into the 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,” it said.
The group also urged the authorities to handle the cases diligently and professionally to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. The forum stressed that the alleged actions of individuals should 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,” it said.
It added that Ebonyi indigenes living in Anambra remained committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cordial relationships with their host communities.
“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,” it said.
The group also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to work together to preserve peace and prevent the incidents from undermining relations between Ebonyi indigenes and their host communities.
“The occurrence of two tragic killings within the same local government area is deeply painful and calls for serious reflection and decisive action,” the statement said.
The forum reiterated its condemnation of violence and called for justice, accountability and peaceful coexistence.
“Our message is clear: violence is unacceptable, human life must be protected, justice must prevail, and peace must be preserved among all communities,” the statement concluded.