Ebonyi Killing: APGA calls for probe, urges youths to shun reprisal

Following the gruesome murder of Elder Amos Onwe Ubochi in Ebonyi State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has urged its supporters and local youths to shun reprisal attacks and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.

The party made the appeal during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family at Osege, Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA.

This followed the death of the elder, who was found dead a day after attending a political event in the area.

Leading the delegation, APGA senatorial candidate for Ebonyi North in the 2027 general election, Chief Chikaodili Ojimba, described the incident as unfortunate and assured the bereaved family that it would not be abandoned in its moment of grief.

Ojimba announced the adoption of the deceased’s family by the party and called on security agencies to intensify investigations and identify those responsible for his death.

He conveyed condolences to the widow, children and other members of the family, saying the deceased was regarded as a member of the wider APGA family.

He said: “Mama, my brother and other members of Ubochi’s family, the truth of the matter is that your father is one of us, and none of us here is happy over the incident that took place.

“We are here to console you. We are here to tell you that you are not alone. We are here to tell you that all of us, including those who are not physically here, are with you.

“It is an unfortunate incident, but we cannot question God. As far as this incident is concerned, this family has devoted itself to pursuing justice. Morning, afternoon and night, we stand with you.”

Ojimba urged security agencies to expedite the investigation, describing the death of the elderly man as painful and deserving of urgent attention.

He said: “I call on all the security agencies to speed up the investigation of this incident. It is very pathetic that an elderly man of that age would die under circumstances such as these.

“The security apparatus should take decisive action, conclude the investigation and bring whoever committed the crime to book.”

He expressed confidence that the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies would take the matter seriously, stressing that those responsible must be identified through a thorough and professional investigation.

Also speaking, APGA candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Tochukwu Ogalagu, popularly known as T-Man, said securing justice for the deceased was a collective responsibility.

Ogalagu appealed to security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators and anyone found culpable were brought to justice, while urging residents to remain within the confines of the law.

“We are made to understand that investigation has commenced, and I want to assure the family that justice must be done.

“I have confidence in the capacity of the police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly.

“The perpetrators and architects of this crime must be brought to book.” 

Ogalagu, however, warned APGA supporters, youths and members of the bereaved family against taking the law into their own hands.

He added: “Do not retaliate. Leave vengeance to God and the security agencies. We are not asking anybody, in any capacity, to go and beat, attack or fight anybody because of this incident.

“If you are a supporter of APGA and you want to fight for us, do not go and fight anybody. Go and pray.

“If you have information that can assist the investigation, report it to the nearest police station or appropriate security agency.”

Ogalagu urged residents to provide credible information that could assist investigators, saying community cooperation would be critical to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the death.

He also cautioned against exploiting the incident to settle personal disputes or instigate fresh violence in the area.

“Political issues should remain political issues. Nobody should take advantage of what has happened to pursue a personal quarrel or drag innocent people into unnecessary conflict.