Ugbawka community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has been thrown into mourning following the brutal murder of Hon. Osita Okoye, President General of Amafor-Ugbawka Autonomous Community, and two others. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, October 6th, during a town union meeting, has sent shockwaves through the entire community.
Reacting to the incident, the President Generals in Ugbawka, under the leadership of their coordinator, Chief (Sir) Osita Godwin Ogbu Nwonovo, expressed their deep shock and condemnation of the senseless killing. In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Chief Nwonovo described the act as heinous, barbaric, and completely contrary to the peace-loving nature of Ugbawka.
The President Generals, while mourning the loss of Hon. Okoye and the other victims, lauded the swift intervention of security agencies in the area. Their prompt action in responding to the attack and working to apprehend the perpetrators has been praised as a beacon of hope in the face of such a tragic incident.
Particular recognition was given to Chief Alphonsus Chukwu, the Chairman of Security in Nkanu East, for his leadership in coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of the community in the aftermath of the killings. The President Generals also commended the Area Commander of Nkanu East and the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, for their unwavering support and cooperation with the security forces to bring justice to those responsible for the murders.
In addition to the local efforts, the President Generals expressed their gratitude to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his administration’s focus on ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state. Governor Mbah’s strong stance on security, they noted, has been pivotal in the rapid response to the crime, and they are hopeful that his continued commitment will help prevent such tragedies in the future.
The statement signed by Chief Nwonovo reads in part:
"It is with great sadness that we condemn the brutal murder of Hon. Osita Okoye, President General of Amafor-Ugbawka, who, along with two others, was shot dead during a town union meeting in Ugbawka on Sunday, October 6th, 2024. This heinous act of violence is deeply shocking and goes against the values of peace and unity we hold dear in our community. We stand firm in denouncing such evil actions, and we mourn the loss of a brave and committed leader."
"We want to commend the security officers in Ugbawka for their swift response in addressing the situation and working to bring the culprits to justice. Their relentless efforts are deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for their courage and dedication in these challenging times. Special recognition goes to Chief Alphonsus Chukwu, Chairman of Security in Nkanu East, whose leadership has been instrumental in addressing this incident."
The statement continued by calling on the community to remain calm and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that peace and security should be maintained in the face of such tragedy. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Ugbawka remains a peaceful and united community, working towards development despite the unfortunate event.
Hon. Osita Okoye was remembered as a man who worked tirelessly for the progress of Ugbawka and its people. His dedication to peace, unity, and the welfare of his community was lauded, and his contributions will never be forgotten. The President Generals stressed that although Hon. Okoye’s life was cut short in such a violent manner, his legacy as a man of peace would endure.
The President Generals also extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon. Okoye and the families of the other victims. They called on the people of Ugbawka to continue to support the efforts of security agencies to ensure that justice is served.
The murder of Hon. Osita Okoye and his colleagues has left a deep scar in the heart of Ugbawka, but the community remains hopeful that the ongoing investigations, bolstered by the swift response of the authorities, will result in the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this atrocious act.
The President Generals concluded by urging the people of Ugbawka to remain united, resilient, and cooperative in these difficult times, confident that together, they would overcome the challenges and bring lasting peace and justice to their community.
May the souls of Hon. Osita Okoye and the others rest in peace.
