Follow Us on Google
From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State have called on security agencies to speed up investigation into the killing of an elderly man, Chief Onwe Ubochi, in Osege, Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
Onwe was murdered on Monday on his way home after attending APGA’s consultation rally, where he offered his blessings to the candidates of the party for next year’s general election, Chief Chikaodiri Ojimba and Chief Tochukwu Ogalagu, who are contesting for Senate and House of Representatives seats, respectively.
His body was discovered in a stream in the community the next day with his mouth mutilated. APGA leaders, including candidates of the party for various positions in the 2027 general election visited the deceased family yesterday.
Addressing the bereaved family, Chief Chikaodiri Ojimba, the candidate of the party for Ebonyi North senatorial zone, expressed sadness over Onwe’s murder.
He lamented how an elderly man’s life could be taken away from him, describing it as barbaric and unfortunate. He assured that the party will work with security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“The truth remains that none of us is God, and we will never be God. There are things that only God can do, and that is why we must continue to call on Him. The APGA family is not happy. The Ebonyi State Government is also not happy, and the security agencies are not happy. Nobody is happy except those behind the scene.
“On behalf of my family, both immediate and extended, especially as it concerns the APGA family, we are here to console you. We are here to tell you that we are sorry and, most importantly, that you are not alone. All of us, including those at home, are with you. This is an unfortunate incident, but we cannot question God. As far as this incident is concerned, this family has devoted itself to pursuing justice morning, afternoon, and night.
“On this note, I call on all the security agencies to speed up the investigation into this incident. It is pathetic, very, very pathetic, that an old man of such an age could be subjected to such an incident. Of course, I am a Christian, and I know what the Bible says about respecting elders, so that we may enjoy old age.
“I, therefore, call on the security apparatus to take action, speed up the investigation, and ensure that those who committed this heinous act are brought to justice. The family of Onwe Ubochi should rest assured that the perpetrators and masterminds of this crime must be unraveled by the security agencies. I trust the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to get to the root of this matter.
“Whatever evidence or clue they may have, no matter how small, as long as it exists, and with the best efforts of the security agencies, I believe they will swing into action and conduct a thorough investigation” Ojimba told the bereaved family.
On his part, the party’s candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency, Chief Tochukwu Ogalagu, expressed confidence in the security agencies to unravel the cause of the deceased’s death.
He assured that he will ensure that the incident is not hijacked by evil ones to cause problems in the community.
“I have confidence in the security agencies. I believe they will do the needful by unraveling the circumstances surrounding his death and bringing the killers to justice. We will also put our ears to the ground and use our local knowledge to find out if there are people who want to take advantage of what has happened to cause further problems in the community. We will address such issues accordingly.
“I have also addressed the youths here, and they have promised me that they will not abandon the community. I know our people very well. They are eager to know the results and outcome of the investigation”, he said.
Ogalagu disclosed that he has petitioned security agencies over Onwe’s murder and urged his supporters not to go for reprisal over the incident.
“I have written petitions to the appropriate authorities to act, and I know and believe in what they can do. Within a twinkle of an eye, I know they will come out with results. Please, if you are a supporter of APGA and you mean well for us, don’t go and fight for us. What will help us is to go to the chapel, kneel down, and pray for us.
“If you want to fight for us, go back to your traditional institutions and anywhere appropriate. Leave revenge to God. If you see any security threat, please go to any police division very close to you to report and notify us. We have constituted legal authorities that will act on that and communicate with the security agencies”, he said.
Younger brother to the deceased, Monday Ubochi, thanked the party leaders for the condolence visit and assured that the family will continue to support APGA candidates. He narrated that the deceased was found dead after praying for Ogalagu who visited the community to seek their support.
“What actually happened was that our brother, T-Man, came to visit the community. He joined in the prayer for the progress and development of the community. After the event, the next news we received was that our brother was nowhere to be found.
“We eventually found him dead. We have nothing else to do but believe that God and the government will help us bring whoever committed this act to book. He was found dead the following day by the side of the river.
“Since the incident, I have been feeling very bad. I have been in pain and saddened by what happened. But we believe in God, and we will continue to do our part and allow the authorities to do theirs.
“From what I saw, he sustained injuries, particularly on his face. I have also seen the video and pictures of his body”, he said.
