The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife has condemned the reported killing at Nkpor by officers of the Nigerian Police.
In a statement on Wednesday, 15th April, Senator Uche Ekwunife expressed shock over reports of the killing of unarmed citizens by men of the Nigerian Police who were said to be enforcing the State government’s lockdown order.
“It is with disbelief that I received the reports of the death of two youths during an incident which occurred this afternoon at Nkpor New Tyre, where a police team went to enforce the State government’s lockdown order”.
“While we encourage citizens to obey the government and stay at home, it is completely counterproductive and most condemnable for lives to be lost while attempting to keep citizens safe during this time the country and the world at large are facing a huge health challenge”.
She continued, “This is indeed a trying time for us all. The health and economic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic have put pressure on citizens and institutions of government, however, we must not lose our heads during this time when there is an urgent need for cooperation and understanding between institutions of government and citizens in the fight against this pandemic which is ravaging our world today”.
Senator Ekwunife urged the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement agencies to approach the enforcement of the government’s lockdown with the highest form of professionalism, particularly at this time when most citizens are experiencing difficulties due to the economic challenges thrown up by this ugly pandemic.
While sympathizing with the families of the deceased, the Senator advised citizens of the State to see the need to obey the current extraordinary regulations the government has put in place to contain the spread of this deadly virus. She called for proper investigations to ascertain the cause of the incident for the sake Justice and forestallment of future occurrence of such ugly incident.
Also, member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon., Engr. Chris Emeka Azubogu has condemned the reported killings by the Police at Nkpor, Idemili North L.G.A., Anambra State, that left two citizens dead.
Hon. Emeka Azubogu who spoke through his media office on Wednesday, called for an official inquest into the circumstances that led to the killing of two youths who met their unfortunate end at a location in Nkpor.
The lawmaker who strongly deplored the use of brute force by law enforcement agents against hungry and angry citizens in their bid to enforce the total lockdown advised the people not to take the laws into their hands nor resort to rioting while questing for justice for the young men who were regrettably cut down in their prime.
He says, “resorting to rioting and / or wanton destruction of properties isn’t the way to go. What is required at this curve is to institute an official inquiry with a view to ascertaining the true circumstances that led to the brutal murder of two citizens and subsequently ensure that those found culpable are made to face the full weight of the law.”
“In addition, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Willie Obiano may consider a graduated lockdown that allow residents limited movement within their locales on specific days to allow them access to essential services for the period the lockdown lasts as a way of averting a hunger induced social unrest”.
