Nsugbe Leaders Calls For Justice Over Killing Of Their Youths By Umueri Community

November 26, 2023

In a press conference held in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, leaders called on the state government to expedite a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice while emphasizing the need for peaceful co-existence of the community and her neighbors.

Report has it that both Messrs Nweze and Anyansi who were from Enugwu village, Nsugbe had approached the rampaging persons to understand the cause of the raid but were murdered in the process.

An eyewitness, Mr. Francis Okonkwo told members of the press during the press conference that one Mr Ikechukwu Akpeh sustained injuries while the property of Mrs. Onyinye Obiudu running into millions were also destroyed.

Mr. Okonkwo, a member of the Nsugbe Vigilante Group said he escaped death after narrating his matrimonial tie to Nneyi Umueri.

Describing the aggression of raiders from Umueri, He said they were armed to the teeth with machetes, daggers, and axes and were chanting “them no fear! na our signboard them go remove.”

Speaking, The traditional ruler of Nsugbe, Igwe Victor Ntoka, expressed deep concern over the incident and explained that Nsugbe residents only ventured into their land that they shared with Umueri, following the arrival of a delegation from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja who came for a physical assessment of proposed site for their Mobile Police base.

He said it was after they left and returned that it was was discovered that Umueri community had forcefully taken over Nsugbe territory.

Igwe Ntoka decried the incident and strongly urged the government to ensure justice is served.

On his part, the President General of Nsugbe Development Union, Dr. Chinweze Ezeanwu refuted earlier reports in some sections of the media that Nsugbe first raided Umueri and presented evidence that will indicate to the contrary.

Dr. Ezeanwu called on the government to arrest the culprits promptly, highlighting Nsugbe’s long-standing commitment to peace and warned against disturbing the community’s tranquility.

The President, Nsugbe Youth Assembly, Home and Abroad, Engr. Chidi Obiudu, called for justice to be served and pleaded that those who perpetrated the murderous act, must be brought to book.

A cousin to the two deceased persons, Mr. Michael Amakom, from Enugwu Nsugbe explained that the land had since been gazetted by government since June 29, 2012.

He said the land, encompassing portions 8, 9, 10, and 11 from the Ochapiliti Layout, received approval from of the Anambra State Government through the Anambra State Urban Development at Gazette No. 4, Volume 19, dated August 13, 2009, on page B7, part B, ASLN number 2 and prior to being gazetted, a public notice was issued in the Daily Independent newspaper on Thursday, 27, 2008, inviting objections within a 21-day period which was endorsed by the then Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi.

He said no objections were raised against the land being gazetted.