The Ebonyi Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (EB-CSOs) has condemned the killing of residents of Okporojo community in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi describing the incident as barbaric, gruesome and a gross violation of human rights.
The coalition, in a press statement on Monday in Abakaliki signed by its Co-Chair, Dr Kelechukwu Okezie, expressed shock and outrage over the murder of innocent community members, allegedly carried out in Amasiri by suspected assailants.
According to the group, the attack represents a dangerous escalation of communal violence and underscored the urgent need to strengthen conflict prevention, peacebuilding and justice mechanisms across the state.
“The senseless killing of innocent people is a direct assault on the sanctity of human life and the rule of law.
“No grievance or dispute can ever justify such brutality or the destruction of entire communities,” the statement read.
EB-CSOs said it stood in solidarity with the victims, their families and the entire Okporojo community, noting that the trauma, loss and devastation suffered by the people were unacceptable and must not be ignored.
The coalition called on security agencies and relevant authorities to immediately conduct an independent, transparent and thorough investigation into the incident to uncover the truth and identify all perpetrators, sponsors and collaborators.
It also demanded that all individuals found culpable be arrested and prosecuted in line with the law, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to deter future acts of violence.
In addition, the civil society group urged governments at all levels to ensure restorative justice for the victims through adequate compensation, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected homes and infrastructure.
The statement further emphasised the need for strengthened peace and conflict resolution mechanisms.
It called on traditional institutions, community leaders and government authorities to collaborate with civil society organisations to initiate sustained dialogue, reconciliation processes and early warning systems.
EB-CSOs also appealed for enhanced security presence in vulnerable communities to protect lives and property and prevent possible reprisal attacks.
The coalition called on the Ebonyi State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to act swiftly and responsibly to restore peace, justice and public confidence.
It reiterated that violence, impunity and communal bloodshed had no place in a just and progressive society, urging communities to embrace peaceful coexistence, dialogue and lawful means of resolving disputes.
“We will continue to monitor developments and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability, justice and sustainable peace in the affected areas,” Okezie said.
Our correspondent recalls that Okporojo community in Edda LGA and it’s Amasiri neighbours in Afikpo LGA are engaged in decades of fratricidal conflict that has claimed scores of live including a recent attack that claimed four lives in Okporojo community.
