The Ebonyi Unity Forum in Anambra State has condemned two separate reported killings in Aguata Local Government Area, calling for justice for the victims and urging residents to resist retaliatory attacks and ethnic profiling.
The incidents involved the reported killing of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga community and the alleged killing of an 18-year-old boy by his father in Ori-Eri community. The cases have reportedly heightened tensions and raised concerns about the treatment of Ebonyi indigenes living in the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the forum’s President-General, Chief Moses Ofoke, and Secretary, Aloke Stanley, the organisation expressed shock and grief over the incidents.
The forum stressed that the alleged actions of individuals should not be used to stigmatise an entire community or justify discrimination against innocent people from Ebonyi State.
According to the organisation, the first incident involved Mmesoma Umeorini, a 23-year-old woman from Uga, whose boyfriend, identified as Chima Ofoke, an indigene of Ntezi-Aba in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was allegedly linked to her death.
The incident reportedly followed the breakdown of their relationship after the woman decided to end it. However, the precise circumstances surrounding her death remain subject to investigation.
The second incident involved an 18-year-old boy who was reportedly killed by his father in Ori-Eri community. The circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death require further clarification from the relevant authorities.
Expressing concern over the reported killings, the Ebonyi Unity Forum called on the Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into both cases and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The organisation also appealed to community leaders, youths and residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions or threaten the safety of innocent people.
It warned that revenge attacks, collective blame and the stigmatisation of Ebonyi indigenes would only worsen the situation and undermine peaceful coexistence between residents and their host communities.
The forum maintained that criminal allegations should be addressed through lawful procedures rather than used as grounds for discrimination against people based on their state of origin.
It further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and allow investigations to establish the facts surrounding the two incidents.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to peace, unity and mutual respect among the different communities living in Anambra State, while expressing sympathy with the families of the victims.
The forum’s intervention comes amid concerns that criminal incidents involving individuals from different states can fuel communal suspicion and hostility if handled without restraint.
It urged all parties to prioritise justice, protect innocent residents and preserve the peaceful relationships that bind communities across the state.
The forum maintained that those responsible for the alleged crimes must be held accountable based on the outcome of investigations, while innocent Ebonyi indigenes should not be subjected to harassment or discrimination.