Group worries over rising insecurity, killings in Ebonyi Council Area, calls on IGP to intervene
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
A group, AnyiChucks Grassroots Support Organization, has expressed worry over what it described as increasing threats to the security of lives and property in parts of Ebonyi State, particularly in Onicha LGA of the State following the recent killings and abductions in the Council area and called on the Inspector General of Police, to wade into the security crises with a view to unraveling the mystery behind the continuous bloodshed in the area by miscreants.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity, Chief Abia Onyike, and available to Journalists, on Friday, in Abakaliki.
The group said the latest incident was the abduction of the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Isu, Prof. Reuben Okechukwu, by armed men on Wednesday, 19th October, 2022 at the boundary between Isu and Agba in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State.
“Within a space of six months, three prominent indigenes of Isu Okoma Community have been shot dead by hoodlums at different times, while the Traditional Ruler of the Community, Eze Ambrose Ogbu was kidnapped six months ago and is yet to regain his freedom.
“The President of the Town Union was killed by armed men few months ago while an educationist, Alhaji Iyi Oji was shot dead just as the Proprietor of Galaxy Hotel, located in the area was shot and murdered in cold blood in his business premises. A private security personnel attached to our Grassroots Support Group was also killed,” the statement recalled.
The group further stated: “In the light of the above, we wish to call on the Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police to wade into the security crises in Onicha LGA with a view to unraveling the mystery behind the continuous bloodshed in the area by miscreants.
“We equally urge the Ebonyi State Government and Onicha LGA to braze up to the security challenges which have resulted to the death of prominent citizens in the area. It is the primary responsibility of the government to maintain law and order so as to protect lives and property.
“In the times past, Ebonyi State had been very peaceful but we are highly perturbed at the level of insecurity and violent deaths in the vicinity.
“The Federal and State Governments should collaborate and deploy effective security measures to restore order and normalcy to the troubled communities,” the statement reads in part.
