In a deeply troubling development that has ignited public tension and raised national human rights concerns, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged torture and murder of Fabian Ugo, a 26-year-old Ebonyi indigene, by operatives of Operation Udo-Gachi, an alleged anti-touting paramilitary unit in Anambra.
The directive followed the circulation of a viral video and mounting public outrage over the disturbing circumstances surrounding Ugo’s death, which occurred earlier last month in Onitsha.
Governor Soludo, in an official statement, condemned any form of extrajudicial violence, stressing that his administration would not tolerate human rights violations under the guise of maintaining public order.
“We will get to the root of this matter. The law must take its full course. No one will be shielded from justice,” he said.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that two suspects linked to the incident believed to be members of Operation Udo-Gachi have been arrested and are awaiting arraignment in court.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi Welfare Central Executive Council has issued a strong statement rejecting any form of out-of-court settlement, insisting that those involved in the killing of Fabian Ugo must face the full weight of the law.
During a high-stakes intervention meeting held on June 18 in Anambra State, representatives of the victim’s family, legal counsel, and Ebonyi community leaders met with Operation Udo-Gachi officials. Sources at the meeting revealed that the accused admitted involvement in Ugo’s death and reportedly pleaded for reconciliation.
But the Ebonyi delegation, led by Chief Moses Ogbonna and Apostle Igbudu Chukwuemeka Nweze, refused to accept any form of negotiation.
“We’re not here for peace talks. We’re here for justice—not just for Fabian, but for all Ebonyians who have suffered in silence," Ogbonna said.
The community leaders lamented what they described as a growing trend of targeted violence against Ebonyi indigenes in other parts of Nigeria, particularly in the South-East.
They cited past cases where killings went unpunished, reinforcing a dangerous sense of impunity.
“We’re tired of being told to move on. “This must stop. If justice is not done in this case, it will embolden others to kill and cover up. Enough is enough," said Apostle Nweze.
The community also warned that failure to secure justice in this case could erode inter-state harmony and heighten ethnic tensions in the region.
Governor Soludo’s decision to probe the anti-touting squad will serve as a critical test of his reform agenda and human rights record.
While he has championed economic revitalization and grassroots security, the unchecked excesses of paramilitary units like Operation Udo-Gachi have continued to raise concern among civil society groups.
Human rights advocates have welcomed the governor’s swift response but emphasized that meaningful accountability not rhetoric is what will restore public confidence.
“Words don’t stop bullets,” said one Anambra-based civil rights lawyer. “We need to see arrests, prosecutions, and reforms—not just promises.”
The Ebonyi community has reiterated that their demand is not for retaliation, but for lawful redress.
They have called on federal authorities, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society organizations to closely monitor the case to ensure transparency and justice.
"No Ebonyi life is expendable. We are not asking for war—we are asking for justice," a part of joint statement stated.
As investigations proceed and legal proceedings begin, both the Anambra and Ebonyi state governments face a critical moment: will this case become a turning point in the fight against extrajudicial killings or just another painful entry in Nigeria’s long ledger of unresolved violence?
NATIONAL PANEL will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
