Nnaya Eziyi, Umuahia
Leaders of Ntigha Okpuala in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area have raised the alarm over alleged surreptitious moves to release three policemen suspected of murdering three youths in the community.
The leaders, namely Chiefs Obioma Onyenso, Daniel Njoku, Omerenma Ubani with a constitutional lawyer, Dr Anthony Agbazuere stated this at a press conference in Umuahia, the Abia state capital.
They called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure a thorough investigation into the murder which was reportedly executed by officers attached to the mobile police unit and to prosecute the offenders.
The deceased, identified as Adimchi Obiocha, Joseph Nwokocha and Obinna, were said to had died when the suspects “arrived in a Mercedes Benz 190 and got to the village hall and killed three young men”.
According to Agbazuere the incident occurred about midday on March 3 when the policemen stormed the hall and opened fire on the innocent and unarmed people while there were holding a peaceful meeting.
He said the police officers had immediately fled the scene after the killing with the intention of covering their tracks, but the people and the leaders raised the alarm which made him to wade into the matter.
“That was how they got them arrested and are now being detained at the state CID in Umuahia,” said Agbazuere, adding that however the suspects have not denied their identity of being policemen.
He explained that he was alerted of the gory incident by the traditional ruler, the prime minister and some titled chiefs of the community, prompting him to file a petition to the IGP to investigate the matter.
Speaking on behalf of the others, Obani said that the incident had thrown the people into deep mourning, tension and fear, adding that a fortnight ago, unidentified gunmen kidnapped a woman in the community.
“In fact that was why when we heard the unexacting shooting, we were gripped by fear thinking that another gang of kidnappers had invaded the venue of our meeting,” said the traumatised leader.
Stating that the victims where rushed to the General Hospital, Okpuala Ngwa where they were confirmed dead, he added that they were determined to ensure that the perpetrators were made to pay for their acts.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Godfrey Ogbonna (DSP) when contacted for comments on the matter on his cell phone as at press time, said he was yet to be briefed about the case.
