BY TEDDY NWANUNOBI
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the shocking and senseless violence inflicted upon members of the Ebonyi State Welfare Organisation (ESWO), describing the massacre of the 13 Ebonyi State indigenes as a barbaric and provocative act that was entirely unnecessary.
Consequently, Ohanaeze has called on the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to take immediate action in bringing the “unknown murderers” of the Ebonyi indigenes residing in the state to justice, to avert any reprisal attack.
This was even as the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Ebonyi State vehemently condemned the heinous and atrocious killings of Abakaliki people in Anambra State and called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the perpetrators and bring them to book.
Thirteen Ebonyi indigenes were, on June 30, 2025, murdered during their monthly peaceful gathering in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state by unknown gunmen.
“It represents a deliberate attack on the essence of our humanity, intended to foster hatred, perpetuate violence, and undermine the fragile peace that has long characterised the relationship between the states of Anambra and Ebonyi,” it said in a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Thompson Ohia.
Ohanaeze stated that, in light of this atrocity, it had declared four days of mourning to honour the victims whose lives were tragically cut short.
The pan-Igbo organisation noted that it is imperative for Soludo to urgently identify the perpetrators responsible for the grievous act and bring them to justice.
The statement further said that the lack of immediate condemnation from Governor Soludo’s office is alarming and unacceptable, saying that over 48 hours had passed since the insidious massacre, yet the silence from the Anambra State Government remained deafening.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo demands a clear and forthright response from Governor Soludo. The Igbo people require justice and a thorough explanation regarding the atrocities committed against our brethren from Ebonyi State residing in Anambra. Your failure to act not only raises questions about your leadership but may also breed discontent and mistrust among the populace.
“We commend Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his swift and commendable response in seeking justice and fostering collaboration with the Anambra State Government. This unity is essential for healing and restoring faith in our leadership.
“Governor Soludo, let it be known that Ohanaeze stands resolutely behind your government in your pursuit of truth and justice regarding the tragic deaths of innocent Nigerians. As the Chief Security Officer of Anambra State, it is your constitutional duty to ensure that those who engage in violence are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.
“Furthermore, we cannot ignore the precarious state of peace between Anambra and Ebonyi. There are forces—both external and internal—seeking to exacerbate tensions between our two states by inciting conflict and instigating reprisal attacks against Anambra natives in Ebonyi State. It is crucial for you to address these concerns transparently and publicly, particularly to the people of Ebonyi. Your words can help to calm frayed nerves and foster understanding.
“We encourage you to pay a condolence visit to the bereaved families of the victims in Anambra, as well as to meet with Governor Nwifuru. Such gestures will not only demonstrate compassion but will also serve to dispel false narratives that may lead to inter-state conflicts.
“The onus is upon you, Governor Soludo, to act decisively in the face of this tragedy. The collective aspirations of the Igbo people hinge upon your leadership and your commitment to justice. The time for action is now; let us unite in the pursuit of peace, justice, and the safeguarding of our shared values,” Ohanaeze said.
Similarly, the CDHR, in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Human Rights group, Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe, said the gruesome and unimaginable event was utterly deplorable.
“The gunmen, according to the survivor, arrived in two Sienna vehicles at the venue of their monthly meeting of peace-loving people from Ebonyi State in Ugboji, Orumba North Local Government Area.
“After questioning the attendees about their meeting and alleging that Ndi-Abakaliki were obstructing them in their own territory, the gunmen callously opened fire, leaving at least 11 people dead and many others sustaining varying degrees of gun injuries.
“This brazen and merciless attack is not an isolated incident, as Anambra State has witnessed a disturbing trend of targeted killings and violence against specific groups. Recently, a boy was fatally shot by trigger-happy men from the Anambra State security outfit, Operation Udo ga chi, and justice has yet to be served. The latest massacre of 11 people in one day is a stark reminder of the insecurity and impunity against Ndi Abakaliki in Anambra State.
“We urgently call upon the Inspector General of Police and the Anambra State Government to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into this gruesome massacre to prevent future occurrences of such deadly violence,” he said.