May 19, (THEWILL) – The pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has demanded a graphic investigation into the extra-judicial killings of fifty Igbo youths, whose bodies were found floating in Ezu River in Anambra State, when Mr Peter Obi was the governor.
The body spoke through a press statement signed by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Sunday.
According to Isiguzoro, the demand was a commitment to truth, justice and accountability from the former Anambra State governor and presidential aspirant of the Labour Party in the 2023 election.
The statement reads, “It is with an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and accountability that the Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, makes this compelling appeal to Mr Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State.
“We hereby demand a comprehensive and forthright investigation into the tragic extrajudicial killings of fifty innocent Igbo youths, whose lifeless bodies were discovered floating in the Ezu River on January 9, 2013.
Isiguzoro said that it was disturbing for Mr Peter Obi not to have furnished the public about the circumstances surrounding the killing of the fifty youths over a decade he left office.
“For over a decade, there has been a conspicuous silence surrounding the events that transpired during your tenure, Mr Obi. As the Chief Security Officer of Anambra State and the Governor at that time, the gravity of your position necessitates a transparent disclosure regarding these heinous acts.
“Your reticence in providing clarity around whether you authorised or had knowledge of the unlawful death sentences and subsequent executions of these valiant youths raises profound concerns about your accountability and moral compass in leadership.
The statement added that Mr Peter Obi had evaded private discussions for six times extended to him to explain his role in the killing, adding that he (Obi) maintains the silence, Ohanaeze shall formally petition him to the federal government.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly asserts that your repeated avoidance of private discussions and inquiries—over six separate occasions—dedicated to elucidating your role in this tragic narrative is untenable. The families of the victims and the global community deserve to know the truth.
“Therefore, we demand immediate clarification from you, not only as a matter of public interest but as an ethical imperative. The suspicions surrounding your complicity in these egregious acts must be addressed with the urgency and seriousness they unequivocally warrant.
“In the coming days, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will officially communicate with pertinent authorities to instigate an inquiry into the Ezu River incident of 2013. Should you, Mr Obi, continue your conspiracy of silence—a stance you have maintained for twelve long years—we will be compelled to escalate this matter.
“A formal petition will be submitted to the Federal Government, representing the families and groups who have suffered immeasurable losses, in relentless pursuit of justice for the fifty innocent lives taken too soon.
“It is imperative that we unequivocally demand an independent investigation into these tragic deaths, which, under the alleged directives of your administration, remain shrouded in mystery and dread. We urge you to rise to this occasion, confront the truth, and stand with the people whose trust you sought during your governorship.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains resolute in our advocacy for justice and accountability. The call for truth transcends all societal boundaries, and it is our collective duty to ensure that justice is served, history is reckoned with, and the memories of the departed are honoured with integrity”, he noted.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
