Our Reporter, Abuja
The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called for the declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity in Anambra State following Thursday’s brutal attack on mourners at a burial in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, which left four people dead and at least 15 others injured.
FENRAD described the attack as a “glaring testament to the collapse of security architecture in Anambra,” accusing both state and federal governments of failing in their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
“This appalling attack is not only a tragedy but also a systemic failure. It is unacceptable that citizens cannot gather to mourn their dead without being murdered in cold blood,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD in a statement on Friday.
The group demanded urgent deployment of joint federal security forces with a clear mandate to neutralize armed groups, the establishment of an independent judicial panel to investigate the killings, and comprehensive compensation and trauma care for victims and their families.
The killings occurred on Thursday evening when gunmen stormed the burial ceremony and opened fire on mourners. Videos circulating on social media show some of the wounded receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, linking it to a clash between rival cult groups. He said operatives from Ogidi Division swiftly responded to a distress call, restored order, and evacuated the injured.
“Four persons lost their lives, while 15 sustained varying degrees of injuries. Sixteen expended cartridges were recovered at the scene. A discreet investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Ikenga said, appealing for public cooperation.
FENRAD, however, insisted that beyond immediate law enforcement responses, the government must embrace community-based policing as a lasting solution to insecurity in the Southeast.
“The current security model has clearly failed. We must embrace community policing to restore peace,” Nwafor stressed.
The Ezi Village attack adds to the wave of insecurity sweeping across Anambra and the wider South-East, deepening fears among residents and fueling calls for decisive government action.
