By Abbamobi -Eku Onyekachi
Abuja
An association of Umunri clan, the Ezumezu Umunri Worldwide, has drawn the attention of senators and other federal and state legislators to what it described as gruesome murder of Umunri in Anambra State.
While condemning what they saw as uncivilized and brutal act meted on its indigenes, the clans reiterated the need for the lawmakers to assist them unravel and bring the murderers to book. They condoled the victims’ families and promised that to stop at nothing to see the murderers tried and prosecuted before a court of compent jurisdiction.
This was contained in a press statement from the cultural organization, signed by its President – General, Prince Emeka Egwuekwe, the Akpakata Onyia Enugwu Agidi, and its Secretary General, Ozonkpu Chief Frank Nwokike, the Ugogbuzuo Enugw Ukwu na Umunri Wednesday and made available to selected journalists.
The cultural organization is a community of Umunri Clan comprising, Enugwu Ukwu, Nawfia, Enugwu Agidi and Agukwu Nri. Others are Enugwu Adazi, Nnokwa, Amawbia and Oraeri. The rest are Amesi, Enugwu Ezike, Ogwashi Ukwu, Neni and all the Traditional Monarchs in the communities, Cabinet Chiefs, Ndi Ichie, Ndi Nze na Ozo and all full blooded Nri stock.
While reiterating that the law takes its course as well as condoling with the victims’ families, as well as appealing to them to remain calm, peaceful and law – abiding, with promises that steps are being taken to sort things out, using the law, the organization informed that on Monday, the 9th of September, 2024, peace and tranquility of Umunri was murdered through the gruesome annihilation of some promising Youths from Enugwu Ukwu and Agukwu Nri.
The victims, according to the statement were: Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Nkwocha;
Mr. Oguguo Okeke, an Okada rider from Agukwu Nri. Those shot but are presently receiving medical attention in various hospitals, the statement went on were: includes Mr. Onyedika Agbakwu who were shot in the eyes too and; Nze Emelie Onyeagba, shot in hand and chest. Others we’re: Mr. Ebuka Nwobu, shot on his lowest abdomen; Mr. Akpagu Chibuike; Mr. Okochichi Chinemelum and; Mr. Ozigbo Nnanyelu.
“Our investigation and feelers from eye witness accounts pointed to a land dispute and that this worrisome gruesome and senseless killings was allegedly perpetrated by some persons, led by one ‘Ose Orji,’ who allegedly are from neighboring Nawfia Town (Umuezunu). Our further investigation and more worrisome is the mode by which this crime was executed which confirms that it was a long-planned act in which the victims were all lured into the scene or arena through individual phone calls to come for a phantom land transaction, at the end of which these murder was executed.
“We understand that these murderers abandoned an unbranded Sienna vehicle without plate number with implicating documents from AVG Nawfia. Ezumezu Umunri wishes to condemn in strong terms, this unprovoked attack. Without prejudice to whatever is going on in the background or in the open, it is very important for us to issue this statement, more-so when this nature of assassination is the first in the recent history in any Umunri community.
“It is a sacrilege and aberration that requires appeasing and cleansing the Land where this action was perpetuated.
In view of our concern, Ezumezu Umunri delegated its General Secretary to accompany some Enugwu Ukwu Cabinet Chiefs, the Transition Chairman of Njikoka Local Government; the honourable member representing Njikoka Constituency (1) in the State Assembly and some other stakeholders in the Government and Umunri Communities to visit the victims in the hospital, where they are presently receiving medical attention.
“In all these, Emumezu Umunri wishes to appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force, DSS, Anambra State Government, Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-ukwu, and his cabinet Chiefs v.
Ozo Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri People Association and various groups from the Umunri clan who have shown concern.
“As we express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and entire Enugwu Ukwu community, we are honestly looking forward to the arrest and prosecution of those involved in this heinous act, by allowing for proper investigation by the Law Enforcement Agencies into what transpired. Unravel those directly and indirectly sponsored financially and morally those barbarians, Ezumezu Umunri will go to any length to push for spiritual invocation against those who directly or indirectly supported and partook in this shameless sacrilege and aberration and to also ensure spiritual cleansing of the land where this heinous crime was executed,” the organization promised.
