The remains of a 78-year-old community elder, Chief Johnson Okoro Obasi, have been laid to rest in his residence at Ekoli community, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, months after he was allegedly attacked and murdered by suspected political thugs.
Obasi was reportedly assaulted on June 1 during a violent clash between rival political groups in the area, a crisis that claimed several lives and left properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
An autopsy conducted on his body confirmed that he died from internal bleeding and severe bruises sustained during the attack, deepening concerns about the growing spate of politically motivated violence in the community.
The burial was attended by family members, traditional leaders and residents who gathered in grief and anger over the circumstances surrounding the elder’s death.
In an emotional tribute, his nephew, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, former House of Assembly member and past chairman of the local government lamented what he described as the brutal and untimely killing of his uncle.
He noted that longevity is common in their family, with some members living well above 100 years, and wondered why Chief Obasi’s life was cut short.
“Your years on earth were brutally cut short by agents of darkness, even though you belonged to a stock in which longevity is taken for granted.
“We mourn you in vigilance because your killers and their sponsors are still roaming free, showing neither sobriety nor remorse," he said.
Chima further accused the attackers of continuing to target members of the family, alleging that assassination attempts on loved ones occurred shortly after the incident.
He called on the spirit of the deceased to pursue justice: “Now, take up your sword in the spirit world and go after your killers and their sponsors.”
Traditional rulers in Ekoli community also condemned the killing, accusing local politicians of sponsoring thugs who have terrorized the area for years.
Etta Egor Akanu, one of the elders, alleged that individuals arrested in connection with Obasi’s death and other killings were mysteriously released from custody, fueling more unrest.
“Politicians sent their thugs to beat up Okoro Obasi, and he died as a result of the attack. These are evil men who don’t want peace,” he said.
He expressed relief that the autopsy confirmed the cause of death, insisting it vindicated the family and the community.
Akanu criticized the government for failing to implement resolutions reached during a peace meeting between stakeholders and Governor Francis Nwifuru.
According to him, the released suspects are back in the community, perpetuating fear, harassment and violence.
Another traditional ruler, Thomas Ama, also condemned the killing and urged the state government to immediately enforce all recommendations from the earlier peace meeting.
He alleged that armed groups still operate openly in the community in violation of the governor’s directive that all factions must lay down their weapons.
Residents say the continued presence of armed youths has heightened tensions and hampered efforts to restore normalcy.
As Chief Johnson Okoro Obasi was finally committed to mother earth, emotions ran high.
But beneath the tears lies deep frustration, many fear that without decisive action from security agencies and the government, the violence consuming Ekoli may claim even more lives.
