***Demands Urgent Investigation
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Mr. Onyedika Chukwu Ede from Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, describing it as “barbaric, inhuman, and a grave assault on the sanctity of life.”
Mr. Ede was reportedly attacked and killed by armed assailants at the community’s project site in Ndinwuba village, while working alongside other unarmed members of his community. Eyewitnesses alleged that the attackers were accompanied by armed security operatives, who invaded the site and unleashed terror on the villagers. The victim was said to have been stabbed in the abdomen and died before he could receive medical help.
In a statement issued on Sunday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, expressed outrage over the killing, lamenting that the act occurred in broad daylight and in full view of witnesses, yet without any immediate arrests or intervention by security operatives.
“This killing is barbaric, inhuman, and a direct attack on the peace-loving people of Enugu State. It is unacceptable that such an atrocity could be committed in the open while law enforcement agencies failed to prevent or respond decisively,” HURIWA stated.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a full-scale investigation to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for the heinous act.
HURIWA stressed that justice for the slain youth is essential to restoring public confidence in the rule of law and ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives in Enugu State.
“The Enugu State Government has a legal and moral duty to safeguard citizens from unlawful killings. This is one extrajudicial execution too many in the same community,” Onwubiko said.
The rights organization also urged the Enugu State Government to act decisively to prevent further bloodshed, warning that land or communal disputes must be resolved through legal and peaceful means rather than violence and intimidation.
While condoling with the bereaved family and the Obeagu Awkunanaw community, HURIWA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending victims of injustice and called for immediate government intervention to forestall any escalation of violence.
“This tragic murder is an affront to humanity and a test of the Nigerian state’s commitment to justice. Those responsible must not go unpunished. No one should have the license to shed innocent blood without consequences,” the statement added.