THE AMALGAMATED NGBOEJEOGU YOUTH ISSUES STRONG STATEMENT ON THE ATTEMPT TO SUBVERT JUSTICE IN THE GRUESOME MURDER OF LATE MR. ELOM CHINONSO (A.K.A. OSCAR).
STATEMENT FROM THE AMALGAMATED NGBOEJEOGU YOUTH ON THE ATTEMPT TO SUBVERT JUSTICE IN THE GRUESOME MURDER OF OUR BROTHER – THE LATE MR. ELOM CHINONSO (A.K.A. OSCAR).
On 5/02/2023, Mr. Elom Chinonso (aka Oscar) was shot and killed at the front of his shop located along Umuogudu Akpu Road, Ngbo. The murder was carried out by a combined team of five (5) well known individuals from Ngbo and Izhiangbo. Two of the culprits are from Ngbo while three are from Izhiangbo. Preliminary investigations conducted by Ngbo youths revealed that Oscar was not a cultist and he did not commit any crime to warrant his killing by blood thirsty individuals.
The murder triggered off widespread protests by youths of Ngbo. The killing received the attention of prominent politicians in Ohaukwu and beyond including the present Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, who was the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly that time, who also sent a high powered delegation to condole with the family.
As a result of the tension and bad blood generated by the killing which took place at the peak of political campaigns for the 2023 general elections, the Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth issued a directive withdrawing all Ngbo youths from political campaigns and activities to avoid reprisal attack and revenge killing. Ngbo people led by the Ngbo Leaders Council, convened a solemn assembly at Obodo Akpu, Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo where resolutions were reached including that the culprits who were well known must be arrested and made to face the law.
It was in furtherance of the decision reached by Ngbo people during the solemn assembly at Obodo Akpu, that the Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth followed up the investigation of the killing of Oscar and ensured that the culprits were arrested and charged to court after investigation.
We wish to state that the position of Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth on this matter has not departed from the resolution of Ngbo people reached during the solemn assembly held at Obodo Akpu, Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo.
If Ngbo people in another solemn assembly take another decision on this matter, we shall have no other option than to abide by the decision of Ngbo people. Our resolve is to restore dignity to Ngbo land and ensure that any decision reached by Ngbo people on this matter and on other critical issues cannot be varied or neglected by individuals no matter how highly placed or for whatever selfish reasons.
In view of the foregoing, we state as follows:
(1) The suspects who are now facing trial in the High Court are four (4) remaining one (1) suspect who is still on the run.
(2) The remaining suspect who is on the run and who is from Izhiangbo must be arrested and handed over to the police.
(3) No amount of money from government or individual(s) is worth the blood of an innocent Ngbo man.
(4) On Friday 20/10/2023, the father of late Oscar testified in the High Court and stated openly that he did not sign to withdraw the case and that he wants justice for his slain son. The Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth stands on that testimony no matter the intrigues being played by some unscrupulous individuals in the matter.
(5) We appeal that Government officials and political office holders should respect the decision of Ngbo people on the innocent blood of Oscar.
(6) Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth condemns in the strongest terms all kinds of cultism and cult related activities and we will continue to support every effort aimed at curtailing and eradicating cultism and wanton destruction of lives and properties in our land.
(7) We are amazed that in a case as sensitive as this one, where the life of a promising young man was cut short in its prime, people could still extend their dirty game of politics to it. We note with dismay that some of our prominent people from Ngbo are sabotaging the efforts and determination of Ndu Ngbo towards getting justice in this matter.
(8) We shall therefore continue to pursue justice in this matter and we strongly believe that the outcome of the case will serve as a deterrent to other aspiring criminals and as a reference point to guide the future.
(9) We call on the government at all levels in Ebonyi State to help us stop prominent individuals or organizations who may wish to interfer in the current trial of the culprits at the High Court sitting in Abakaliki.
George Umeh
Publicity Secretary
Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth