Women in Neke, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, have staged a protest over the mysterious death of five members of a family in Akpani village, calling for a thorough investigation and justice.
The protesters, who stormed the streets in the early hours of Saturday, carried leaf branches and chanted songs of grief before marching to the palace of the traditional ruler of Emeora Neke autonomous community, Igwe Silas Chinedu Odo Udeogu, to register their anger and sorrow.
Reports indicate that Barnabas Ikeze, his wife Nkechinyere, and four of their children fell ill shortly after dinner on Saturday, August 30. They were rushed to a health facility in nearby Ikem but could not be stabilized for referral to a better-equipped hospital.
Five of them later died, while one child was transferred to Enugu and is said to be responding to treatment.
Eyewitnesses alleged that Barnabas had a heated altercation with a kinsman during a kindred meeting the previous week, during which threats were reportedly issued against him and his family.
The same kinsman and another individual allegedly appeared at the hospital where the family was rushed, sparking suspicion and their subsequent arrest.
The protesting women also accused the hospital of complicity in the deaths and urged the Enugu State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served.
Addressing the women at his palace, Igwe Udeogu praised their peaceful conduct and appealed for restraint, noting that the case has already been transferred to the Enugu State Police Command for investigation. He further called on government agencies and well-meaning individuals to support an autopsy to ascertain the actual cause of death.
Earlier in the week, delegates from Amede Eha-Amufu, where Nkechinyere hails from, had also staged a peaceful protest at the palace, demanding to see their daughter.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as “We are here to see our sister Nkechinyere and her children” and “Ndi Neke, Amede wants to see their daughter.”
As at the time of filing this report, the surviving child remains under medical care in Enugu.
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