By: Karen James
In the wake of the tragic killing of Ebonyi State indigenes during a routine monthly meeting at Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, prominent leaders of the Ebonyi community residing in Anambra have spoken out, clarifying the true cause of the gruesome incident and calling for calm among their people.
Addressing journalists, Chief Moses Ofoke, President General of Izzi Nnodo in Anambra State and Coordinator of the Francis Ogbonna Nwaifuru (FON) Agenda, confirmed that the meeting—held every last Monday of the month—was convened to address rising cases of criminality involving some Ebonyi youths. According to him, the agenda was to caution those tarnishing the image of Ebonyi State through kidnapping, armed robbery, and other crimes.
However, the meeting turned deadly when unknown gunmen clad in black stormed the venue in two Sienna vehicles and opened fire, after demanding to know the Chairman. Many were killed, and others sustained injuries. Ofoke confirmed that the full account was given by the surviving Chairman and Treasurer of the group.
“We want to make it categorically clear that this tragic incident was not an inter-ethnic attack. It was an unfortunate internal crisis among Ebonyians themselves. One of the key suspects who was supposed to attend the meeting has already been apprehended,” he revealed.
Chief Ofoke also praised the swift response of Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwaifuru of Ebonyi State, both of whom have shown immense concern and taken proactive steps to address the matter.
“Immediately after the attack, Governor Soludo ordered that the deceased be returned to their families for proper burial and ensured that the wounded were moved from Ka Ndudi Specialist Hospital to COOUTH, Awka, under the supervision of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike,” he said.
He further disclosed that Governor Nwaifuru personally called him and has since taken a deep interest in the case, vowing to get to the root of the matter. “The security agencies are working tirelessly to unmask the perpetrators,” Ofoke added.
In similar remarks, other community leaders including Chief Onwe Monday Nwokoye (Patron of Ebonyi Town Unions, Anambra), Mr. Moses Agbom (PG, Ikwo Development Union, Anambra), Apostle Ambassador Igbudu Chukwuemeka Nweze (delegate from Ebonyi Welfare Association), and Edeh Paul (Chairman, Izzi Nnodo, Onitsha) emphasized that the majority of Ebonyians in Anambra are peaceful, industrious, and law-abiding citizens.
“These bad elements constitute less than 2% of our population here. We have Ebonyi sons and daughters doing well in all fields—business, education, and governance. We urge our people not to panic but to remain calm and law-abiding as the matter is being thoroughly investigated,” they stated.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government, through a press release signed by Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, expressed deep sorrow over the killings and assured the public of a full-scale investigation.
“Preliminary findings suggest the incident was not ethnically or state-targeted, but rather an internal dispute. The government is fully committed to supporting the police in uncovering the truth and ensuring the culprits are brought to justice,” the statement read.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assure all residents of our unwavering dedication to peace and security in Anambra State.”
Both state governments have reiterated their resolve to maintain harmony among residents and to ensure such tragic incidents do not repeat.
