Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Nsugbe community in Anambra East Local Government Area has condemned the recent murder of two of its youths, Chukwurah Nweze and Gozie Ambrose-Anyansi, allegedly by members of Nneyi Umueri.
There has been a lingering land dispute between the two communities. The cause of the dispute may not be unconnected to the land on which Mobile Police base is to be built in the area.
Speaking during their protest around Nsugbe, Youth President of Nsugbe, Chidi Obiudu, said that the tragic incident took place when Nweze and Anyansi both from Enugwu village in Nsugbe went to understand the reason behind a raid on their community when they were assaulted.
“Investigation and testimonies from passersby revealed that the Umueri community invaded Nsugbe destroying properties and setting them ablaze.
“On getting the information, two youths from Nsugbe hurriedly drove down to the scene on a motorbike to seek reasons behind such act and possibly resolve it, but as they approached the scene close to monastery junction, they (Umueri) opened fire on them of which one of them, Chukwuma Nweze, is a member of Nsugbe vigilante service and the other who drove him was Prince Gozie Anyansi.
“They gunned them down and collected their belongings (Security gun and also collected the Okada that is owned by the rider, Prince Gozie Anyansi) with their phones and other valuables.
“They tried to carry the dead bodies but with the Nsugbe AVG security backups that resisted them, they fled, leaving the corpses at the scene chanting war songs.”
Obiudu wondered what could trigger such provocation to the extent of taking the lives of fellow human beings. He called on the state and Federal Government, as well as relevant government authorities and security agencies to as a matter of urgency, arrest and ensure the perpetrators of the crime face the law.
He said it was a pure criminal act to assassinate someone in cold blood on broad day light for no just cause. He also said the killing of the youths was a complete murder case that should not be linked to any land dispute.
Meanwhile, the community leaders including the traditional ruler, Igwe Victor Ntoka, had during a press briefing in Awka called on the state government to expedite a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, emphasising the need for peaceful coexistence in the area.
