A sociocultural group, Prestigious Club, EPC, has condemned the alleged murder of Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, warning against attacks on innocent Ebonyi indigenes following the incident.
The group also urged the government of Ebonyi and Anambra States to intervene to prevent further violence and ensure justice for the deceased.
Umeorini was allegedly killed by 29-year-old Chima Ofoeke, who reportedly claimed to be from Ebonyi State.
In a statement signed by its President, Moses Ugboh, on Tuesday, the club described the killing as barbaric and inhumane, stressing that no individual has the right to take another person’s life.
The group expressed concern over reports of threats, protests and calls for the expulsion of Ebonyi indigenes living in Anambra following the incident.
It warned that targeting innocent residents over the alleged actions of one person could fuel ethnic hostility and trigger an inter-state crisis.
“The attention of the Ebonyi Prestigious Club, Abakaliki has been drawn, with deep concern to the homicide incident in Uga, Anambra State, and the disturbing reports and videos circulating thereafter calling for the expulsion and unleashing violence on innocent Ebonyians residing in Anambra,” the statement read.
The club maintained that criminal responsibility should be determined individually and not extended to an entire community based on the alleged actions of one person.
It said, “While we await full and credible facts surrounding the incident in Uga, we firmly hold that crime is individual and not collective.”
The EPC called on security agencies and the governments of both states to ensure that the suspect, if found culpable, faces the full consequences of the law.
It also urged the Anambra State Government to investigate reported threats and alleged reprisal attacks against Ebonyi indigenes, warning against attempts to use the incident to incite hatred.
The group appealed to Ebonyi indigenes living in Anambra, particularly those in rural communities, to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while urging residents of Anambra to pursue justice through lawful means rather than resorting to violence.
It further called on Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru to engage his Anambra counterpart to address the situation, investigate the causes of the tensions and protect residents from further attacks.
The club also urged the Ebonyi State Government to strengthen empowerment programs, create jobs and intensify public sensitization to address issues that leave indigenes vulnerable to discrimination outside the state.
The EPC reiterated its call for peace, justice and the protection of lives and property, regardless of state of origin.