Oraifite Killings: Community cautions Ohaneze, others
Maduako Igbokwe I Tuesday, December 17, 2019
ONITSHA, Nigeria – Oraifite community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra has cautioned Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and others against making statements capable of inciting people on the recent of killing and destruction of lives in the community.
The Oraifite community in a statement jointly signed by its traditional ruler Igwe Dan Udoji, the President General of Oraifite Improvement Union (OIU) Sir, Sunny Igboanuzue and Secretary Offor Uche respectively urged Ohaneze and other influenctial individuals to avoid inciting comments that may further lead to provocation and violence.
Speaking in behalf of Oraifite community at a press conference, President General of OIU, Sir Sunny Igboanuzue said the people of Oraifite village are particularly disturbed that certain influential individuals and perceived leaders of some respective communities, including Ohaneze Ndigbo, with out the facts of the matter, reasonable diligence or sense of responsibility, are making public statement and contributions to the media that could potentially obstruct the justice that the community is seeking.
He said it is quite unfortunate that the ill-informed individuals are trying to use the Oraifite Killings to score political points or acquire cheap popularity. According to him, for the avoidance of doubt, the background and the actions that led to gruesome murder of two senior police officers and the aftermath of violence and destruction of properties resulted from the felonious rivalry and disputes between two cultist groups namely Otu Eke and Otu Afor Masquerades.
“Based on these facts, we implore all stakeholders, particularly those in influential positions to frame public opinion, to exercise wisdom and judgement in public statement and contributions to the media”
“All stakeholders must avoid the urge to investigate and adjudicate these heinous crimes in the media rather than in a legitimate court of law, he added.
He commend the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, for recognising the seriousness of the the crimes and the priority they deserve in ordering the transfer of the case to Police Force Headquarters for proper investigation and prosecution by the Special Investigation Unit.
He also empathize with all the families that lost loved ones through the incidents, particularly the people of Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom for their public expression of love and peace notwithstanding the magnitude of their loss, late ACP Oliver Abbey.
