The people of Nanka, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have begged the authorities of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, to order for a discreet investigation into the murder of their kinsman, Nze Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu.
OsunDailyNG learnt that Mohale, from Etti village, Nanka, was murdered in the late evening of Saturday, November 11, 2023.
However, his people say over two months after his death, no concrete step has been taken to apprehend his killers.
A socio-cultural group, Nanka Forum, made the claim in a statement made available to OsunDailyNG on Friday.
They also beckoned on the security agencies to help them in unravelling the circumstances behind the gruesome murder of one of them.
The statement, signed by the administrators of the group, Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe and Barrister Chinwike Ezebube, was dated January 12, 2024.
According to the press statement, “Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu was shot by gunmen on the evening of Saturday, November 11, 2023 while he was seated at the Etti Village Community Hall with friends, unwinding for the day.
“Earlier in the day, Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu, who was the Ward 1 chairman of Young Peoples Party, YPP, had hosted the member representing the Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinwe Nnabuife, who is also the YPP candidate for the February 3, 2024 re-run election in the Constituency.
“The YPP candidate visited Chief Ezenwegbu and other party members in preparations ahead of the re-run election.
“Two hours after the event, he was shot by gunmen who allegedly called him ‘sabo’ before he was shot in the lower abdomen. He died hours later at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.”
They added that the deceased “was known for his good heart and willingness to help people. He was a gifted grassroot politician, loved by everyone.
“We will miss him for his outspoken nature and his ability to bring people together.
“Mohale Ezenwegbu’s death should not be allowed to be swept under the carpet. His killers should be fished out and made to face the law.
“It will be unfortunate for the battle against insecurity in Anambra and the South East in general should the killers of Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu go unpunished.
“It will indeed be a letdown to the government of Anambra State and the nation.
“The people of Nanka Community are presently in fear of the gunmen striking again.
“With the re-run election slated to hold February 3, 2024, there is palpable apprehension which may reduce the number of people that will participate in the electoral exercise.”
Ezenwegbu’s assassination is not the first in the community.
Others include a one time Commissioner for Science and Technology in Anambra State under the Peter Obi Administration, Hon. C. C. Okoli, a former President General (PG) of Nanka, Hon. Paul Chinedu, a former Isi Nze Nanka who was beheaded by his murderers, among others.
The group pleaded with the security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into the mysterious killings and murders in the community.
