Killing at Enugwu-Ukwu: Ekwunife & Ifedioramma calls for Calm

Killing at Enugwu-Ukwu: The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife has reacted to the death of an apprentice barber – Mr. Anthony Okafor – who was allegedly killed by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), at Anambra State, on Thursday, 21st May.

The indigiene of Enugwu-Ukwu community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State was killed killed by a bus as he tried to escape arrest by police officers who were enforcing the curfew in Enugwu Ukwu, Dunukofia local government area of the state.

Speaking of the issue which generated tension in the area, with youths of Enugwu Ukwu community taking to the streets to protest and major roads in the community were blocked, therefore causing terrible traffic gridlock along the old Enugu-Onitsha road, Senator Uche Ekwunife reiterates the need for police officers in enforcing directives without overreaching bounds.

In a statement on Thursday, Senator Ekwunife described the death of Anthony Okafor, as a huge loss to the Senatorial District and calling for thorough investigation on the issue, noting that loss of life in the enforcement of such government policy negates the intentions of the government.

While advising the youths of Enugwu-Ukwu community to remain law abiding as the constituency mourns the unfortunate death of young Anthony, Senator Uche Ekwunife called on the Nigerian Police to ensure high level of professionalism in the enforcement of law and order, particularly at this critical time. She noted that she is already in talks with the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP John Abang who has promised to launch a full scale investigation on the matter.

Senator Ekwunife extended her condolences to the family of the deceased. She called on Ndi Anambra to cooperate with government in its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease, and assured the people of her determination to liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure that Justice is done.

Also speaking painfully about the issue, Member ANHA, representing Njikoka Constituency 1, Rt. Hon. Dr. Timothy Ifedioramma says he is shocked and deeply pained.

“ONE DEATH TOO MANY,” he exclaimed.

Like Ekwunife, Ifedioramma calls for calm in the community.

I was shocked to receive briefing this morning from my constituents on the gruesome killing of Mr. Anthony Okafor, a promising young constituent of mine from Enugwu-Ukwu, whom it was alleged that on his attempt to evade policemen who were on pursuit in their bid to enforce the curfew directives, was crushed by a vehicle.

 

I am deeply pained at this very unfortunate development and wish to express my deepest sadness and convey my unreserved condolences to the Okafor family, the Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, the President General of Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union and indeed all youths of Enugwu-Ukwu town over this irreparable loss.

 

I have immediately upon receipt of this horrible information, personally drawn the attention of the Anambra State Government and the Honourable Commisioner of Police to it, and have been given assurances that full investigation would be launched into the development, I am told this has commenced, and that all persons indicted would face the full wrath of the law.

I hereby urge all my constituents, most especially my dear youths of Enugwu-Ukwu town to be calm and allow the relevant authorities conduct their investigations so that we can get to the root of this ugly incident and get justice for this young chap.

 

It is my heartfelt prayer that in the words of the Good book, “affliction will not arise the second time – Nahum 1:3”