₦airaland Forum

Human rights lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned the gruesome killing of Ebonyi State indigenes in Ogboji Town, Anambra State, describing the act as “senseless, cold-blooded, and a direct assault on the conscience of the nation.”

However, while Ejiofor alleged that 13 people were killed in the attack, the police confirmed 10 fatalities and nine others injured.

The incident occurred on Monday evening when the gunmen, who arrived in two sports utility vehicles, attacked a community meeting of people from Ebonyi State.

"The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and attacked the gathering of a group unprovokedly, shooting sporadically," said SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra Police Command Public Relations Officer.

“The victims were rushed to the hospital and regrettably, 10 (ten) people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, Ejiofor expressed deep outrage over the incident.

The lawyer demanded swift action from both the Anambra State Government and national security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“This reprehensible and cowardly act, targeted at innocent citizens who merely assembled for a lawful meeting, constitutes not only a direct affront to their fundamental human rights but an assault on the collective conscience of our nation,” Ejiofor stated.

“It is a grim reminder of the deteriorating state of security across the country and a further indictment of the prevailing failure to guarantee the sanctity of human life.”

While the motive behind the killings remains unclear, the brutality of the assault has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.

Ejiofor, who has been vocal on issues of state violence, extrajudicial killings, and the rights of marginalised communities, described the massacre as a violation of several constitutional rights, including the right to life, freedom of movement, and peaceful assembly, guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The right to life, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and the liberty to reside and engage in lawful activities in any part of the country are constitutional guarantees enshrined under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” he said.

“The heinous killing of these harmless individuals is, therefore, a grievous violation of these sacred rights and an intolerable affront to the principles of justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence.”

He called for a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident, stressing that no individual or group, regardless of influence or political connections, should be shielded from justice.

“I unequivocally condemn this dastardly act in the strongest possible terms and demand that the Anambra State Government, alongside all relevant security agencies, immediately commence a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into this tragic incident,” Ejiofor stated.

“The perpetrators of this barbaric crime must be identified, apprehended, and subjected to the full weight of the law, no matter how highly placed or shielded they may appear to be,” he demanded.

Ejiofor said “the findings of the investigations must not be shrouded in secrecy”.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, as this incident, if left unaddressed, will further erode public confidence in the ability of the State to protect its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or state of origin,” Ejiofor added, warning that failure to act decisively would further erode public trust in state institutions.

The lawyer also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents of Ebonyi State to remain calm and law-abiding.

He cautioned against reprisals, warning that retaliation would only worsen tensions and complicate efforts to achieve justice.

TheStranger:
Either ipob or cultism or ??
Regardless of what the issue was, it's a barbaric thing to do

mejai:
The govt should encourage it's citizens or residents to buy drone. When things like this happen, leave the rest to Nigerians with their drones. Technologia!!!

No where to hide, if we can do something with fones, drones will be small case.

Commentor:
So Ebonyi indigenes are endangered in Anambra state?

franchasng:
Abeg make una rest oh, Peter Obi is not going to be the Presidential flag bearer of the coalition party. Na Atiku, make una stop to de hallucinate about Peter Obi and Anambra, make una focus on Atiku and stop wasting your time attacking Obi.


Una de misfire anyhow, tell Rhino Omockery to refocus his senseless attacks towards Atiku

Commentor:
So Ebonyi indigenes are endangered in Anambra state?

ElevationD:
Ebonyi mostly are akin to northern pastorialists. They are mostly the keke drivers in the Delta state, along with northerners.