Security
By Kennedy Nnamani
OGANIHU Ebonyi, a movement based in Ebonyi state has vehemently condemned the incessant killings going on in the state and demands for the adherence to the rule of law.
In the statement signed by Laz Ude Eze, the Convener, Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, Co-convener, Ani, Nwachukwu Agwu, Director of Research and Strategy, the group noted its disappointment in the worsening security situation and the escalating political tension in the state, especially the unlawful killing in some communities, brutalities allegedly by agents working for Ebonyi state government of which some of its members are victims over social media posts.
“We note that two of our members, Darlington Onwe and Solomon Ukpai are victims of these attacks and harassment, allegedly by agents working for the Ebonyi State Government. While Onwe is standing banishment through calculated threats to his life for demanding accountability on the disbursement of Ebonyi State EndSARS Youth Fund; Ukpai wasn’t so lucky. The story of how Ukpai was abducted from his house at midnight by operatives of Ebubeagu Security Outfit, is known to the public. Ukpai was tortured for three days; filmed while naked; detained for nine days and forced to sign an ‘apology letter’ prepared by his attackers. He was framed for ‘insulting the governor on social media,’” the statement read.
The group also expressed their dissatisfaction in the extra-judicial and gruesome beheading of a fellow statesman and declaring ‘wanted’ citizens with no criminal charges.
The statement reads, “We have also taken note of various media reports which indicate an upsurge in alleged human rights abuses, torture and extra-judicial killings in the state. The recent beheading of an operative of Ebubeagu in Ekpelu, Ikwo Local Government Area. LGA, and violent protests in Akaeze, Ivo LGA are all unfortunate incidents. We, therefore, condemn these killings and violence in the strongest terms.”
Another dangerous trend in the state is declaring citizens who are not facing criminal charges “wanted”. Rather than criminalizing dissenting views on state policies, those who proffer alternative thoughts on public policy should be applauded and encouraged because in the multitude of counselors lies safety and wisdom. We affirm that tolerance for political opposition in a multi-party system is a democratic standard,” the group noted.
The group also called on the governor to instruct an investigation to bring justice for the deceased.
“Since Governor David Umahi has condemned the barbaric killings, commendable as it is, we urge him to take further steps by commissioning a high-level investigation into the executions with the aim of bringing justice to the deceased and their loved ones. We assert that reviewing the Standard Operating Procedure of Ebubeagu is a necessity and should be treated with expediency to avert further breakdown of law, peace and order in the state,” it said.
The group noted that they will prepare and publish a report for 2022 revealing cases of political violence in the state.
“We shall expedite action on the Ebonyi State Security Tracker Project, ESSTP, which collates and documents cases of violent deaths and political violence in the state. We are holding conversations with our multiple-stakeholder audience in preparation for the 2022 edition of the report. We shall constructively be engaging state actors with the report for the purpose of deepening understandings of the ecology of crimes in the state and also for policy advocacy and influencing,” the statement added.
KN
Tags: David Umahi Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh Kennedy Nnamani Laz Ude Eze Nwachukwu Agwu
