Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, wife of the late Biafran Leader and secretary of the Anambra State Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, revealed the discovery of a mass grave site in Anambra. In a Facebook post titled 'A mass grave site discovered in Anambra sealed off for forensic investigation,' she disclosed that the commission received testimonies leading to the shocking find.
The commission, initiated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in June 2022, has been investigating violent agitations and unrest in the state and the South-East region. During the second phase of public hearings, 39 witnesses testified on oath, and 243 exhibits were collected between October 26 and November 3, 2023.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that 322 individuals were verified as killed or dead due to violence, as attested by witnesses. She noted that 18 persons were identified as missing, and the commission, headed by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, discovered a mass grave site through compelling testimonies.
Prof. Odinkalu ordered the sealing of the suspected mass grave site for forensic investigation by pathologists to determine the identities and circumstances of the victims' deaths. The commission had already conducted its first phase of public hearings between June and July 2023, addressing 24 petitions and hearing from 48 witnesses.
In response to inquiries, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, stated that no formal report had been presented to the government. Prof. Odinkalu confirmed that Amb Bianca reported a summary of the commission's work and affirmed ongoing arrangements for securing the site and mobilizing pathologists.
The Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission aims to address the alarming and anxiety-inducing times, urging prayers for healing and emphasizing the establishment of a Bureau of Missing Persons to document cases of disappearance.
