Archbishop Ugorji wants transparent investigation into killing of 7 youths in Imo

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Lucius Ugorji, wants Gov. Hope Uzodimma to order a thorough and transparent investigation into the recent killing of some youths in Imo.

Ugorji, who made the call in a statement on Friday in Owerri, said the call became imperative to unearth the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to book.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that seven youths were reportedly killed at Awomama in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo on July 19.

Gov. Uzodimma in an earlier statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, had said the victims were bandits who had engaged security operatives in a gun battle.

Also, in another narrative, the Department of State Security (DSS) said the deceased persons were members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militia arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), killed to ensure public security.

However, family members of the deceased persons reportedly blamed the state government’s security outfit, Ebube-Agu, for the death of the youths while returning from a wedding.

“Our aim is not to delve into this web of contradictory narratives, but to unequivocally condemn this

mindless bloodletting and senseless killings, which have bedevilled Igbo society, especially

Imo state in recent times.

“Our soil has been defiled by the abominable shedding of innocent blood.

“We are becoming a society that has no regard for the sanctity of human life and are ready to waste human life at the least provocation,” Ugorji said.

The Archbishop said no society could flourish or survive when her future leaders and the productive sector of the population were mercilessly mowed down for mere suspicion.

“Like Abel’s blood in Gen. 4:10, the blood of many slaughtered youths in our land is crying to high heaven.

“Similarly, like the lamentations of Rachel at Ramah (Gen 30:1), the lamentations of mothers in Awomama, who have lost their beloved ones, are inconsolable.

“As moral agents, no one should clearly aim at taking away human life no matter the circumstances.

“While no one should condone any form of banditry or lawlessness from any quarters, yet jungle justice and extra judicial killings cannot be a solution to the challenges of law and order,” he added.

The Archbishop said a transparent investigation and accountability in the incident would assuage public anger on the merciless killing and as well stop dangerous rumours. (NAN)