The Organisation of Igbo Communities (OIC) and the Ebonyi Town Union Association in Anambra State have condemned the killing of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, while calling for justice, restraint and peaceful coexistence between residents of the two neighbouring states.
The organisations also condemned the reported killing of two Ebonyi State indigenes in alleged reprisal attacks following Mmesoma’s death, warning that collective punishment, threats and calls for the expulsion of Ebonyi people from Anambra could escalate tensions and trigger a wider inter-community crisis.
In separate statements, the groups maintained that criminal responsibility must be determined through lawful investigations and prosecution rather than extended to innocent individuals on the basis of their state of origin.
The OIC, in a statement signed by its President and Founder, Mazi Chukwuemeka Major Ukason, described Mmesoma’s killing as unacceptable, stressing that the rejection of a relationship could not justify the taking of human life.
The organisation called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It equally demanded justice for the two Ebonyi indigenes reportedly killed in subsequent attacks, insisting that their deaths must not be overlooked or justified as retaliation for the earlier incident.
“Justice for Mmesoma must not become an excuse for injustice against innocent Ebonyi people,” the statement said.
The organisation warned that demands for the wholesale expulsion of Ebonyi indigenes from Anambra were disproportionate and dangerous, arguing that such measures would punish innocent residents for alleged offences committed by individuals.
It urged Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to intervene through appropriate security and peace-building measures to prevent further killings, intimidation and forced displacement.
The OIC also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations and security agencies to work collectively towards de-escalating tensions and preserving peaceful relations among communities in the South-East.
Similarly, the Ebonyi Town Union Association, Anambra State Chapter, condemned Mmesoma’s alleged murder, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.
In an open letter to the public and the media, the association, through its President-General, Amb. Moses Igwe, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and the people of Uga, while calling for a swift, comprehensive and impartial investigation.
The association acknowledged reports identifying the principal suspect, Chima Ofoke, as an indigene of Ebonyi State residing in Uga, but cautioned against using the allegation to stigmatise or stereotype Ebonyi people living in Anambra.
It maintained that the alleged conduct of an individual should not be construed as representative of the character, values or cultural identity of an entire community.
According to the association, Ebonyi indigenes residing in Anambra remain committed to peaceful coexistence, respect for the law and mutually beneficial relationships with their host communities.
It urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
The union also reaffirmed its opposition to violence and criminal conduct, expressing solidarity with the people of Anambra State in efforts to promote security and peaceful coexistence among residents, irrespective of their state of origin.
Both organisations appealed to residents of Anambra and Ebonyi states to remain calm, avoid inflammatory statements and resist attempts to take the law into their own hands.
The OIC particularly urged aggrieved residents of Uga to pursue justice through lawful channels, while calling on Ebonyi residents to refrain from retaliation.
The organisation warned that failure to address the situation promptly could deepen divisions, disrupt economic and social relationships and transform the incidents into a broader inter-state crisis.
“We can demand justice without seeking revenge; we can mourn our dead without threatening the innocent; and we can condemn crime without condemning an entire people,” the OIC said.
The groups reiterated that justice for Mmesoma and the two Ebonyi indigenes, the protection of innocent residents and the prosecution of those found culpable were essential to restoring confidence and preventing further violence.
They called on the relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard lives, uphold the rule of law and sustain peaceful coexistence between Anambra and Ebonyi communities.
