Leaders and indigenes of Enugwu-Ukwu community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, have called on the state government to urgently investigate the killing of some of its indigenes by men allegedly sponsored by unknown individuals from Nawfia, a neighbouring community, also in Njikoka.
Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a cabinet member in the community said that the whole town is in shock and mourning over the brutal violence meted out to some of their kinsmen.
“It was in the afternoon of Monday, 9th September 2024, that news went round the community of the killing of some of our brothers. It was reported that the men were lured via phone calls to Agu Isionye land belonging to Enugwu-Ukwu and were each executed gangland style. Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President – General has already informed the state government. The police authorities at Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukofia local government have also been informed. Urgent action is required to avert escalation of the crises”.
A youth leader in the community, Emeka Okonkwo said that Nawfia people in doing this have thrown away their Umunri brotherhood bond. “How can supposed brothers kill one another? This is an abomination.Some of the survivors with bullet wounds are being conveyed to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi as we speak. Do you think that we will forget this easily?”, Okonkwo asked.
Another youth from Enugwu-Ukwu Boniface Okafor said that Enugwu-Ukwu youths are meeting to discuss their next line of action. “We will not take the law into our hands but we expect that the government and police should urgently engage with the two communities. Those that committed these atrocities should be punished and the necessary traditional sacrifices made”.
A viral voice note from a supposed Nawfia indigene wondered why the ugly occurrences of Monday, 9th September, 2024, was not being shared on major Nawfia WhatsApp platforms. He wondered if this signified general support by Nawfia community for the gruesome murders of their Umunri kinsmen. The indivisible cautioned members of the community to be vigilant as he feared reprisals and asked those who can to leave the community immediately.