IPOB Lawyer condemns killing of 13 Ebonyi natives in Anambra Community, demand justice

By Olisemeka Obeche
A human rights lawyer and lead counsel for the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called for urgent investigation into the gruesome murder of 13 Citizens of Ebonyi State origin in Anambra State.

AnambraDaily gathered that yet to be identified gunmen stormed the venue of where Ebonyi natives where holding meeting and opened fire on them, killing 13 participants at a spot. According to eyewitness, only one person escaped with gunshot wound.

A video clip of the scene of the attack sighted by AnambraDaily captured the moment after the attack with the victims lifeless bodies lying on the floor amidst wailing by relatives.

Reacting, Ejiofor said there was need for government to swiftly find the perpetrators of the killings that took place at Ogboji community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement titled: “Barbaric Massacre e Ebonyi Natives in Ogboji, Anambra State: A Wake-up Call For Justice And Accountability”, described the tragic incident as “an assault on the collective conscience of our nation.”

The statement dated July 1, 2025 read: “It is with an overwhelming sense of grief, deep outrage, and utter condemnation that I address the tragic, senseless, and cold-blooded massacre of thirteen (13) defenceless and law-abiding Nigerians of Ebonyi State origin, brutally murdered in Ogboji Town, Anambra State, on the 30th day of June, 2025.

“This reprehensible and cowardly act, targeted at innocent citizens who merely assembled for a lawful meeting, constitutes not only a direct affront to their fundamental human rights but an assault on the collective conscience of our nation. It is a grim reminder of the deteriorating state of security across the country and a further indictment of the prevailing failure to guarantee the sanctity of human life.

“The right to life, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and the liberty to reside and engage in lawful activities in any part of the country are constitutional guarantees enshrined under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The heinous killing of these harmless individuals is, therefore, a grievous violation of these sacred rights and an intolerable affront to the principles of justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence.

“I unequivocally condemn this dastardly act in the strongest possible terms and demand that the Anambra State Government, alongside all relevant security agencies, immediately commence a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into this tragic incident. The perpetrators of this barbaric crime must be identified, apprehended, and subjected to the full weight of the law, no matter how highly placed or shielded they may appear to be.

The legal activist insists that the findings of the investigations must not be shrouded in secrecy.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, as this incident, if left unaddressed, will further erode public confidence in the ability of the State to protect its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or state of origin.

He expressed condolence and solidarity with the bereaved families, the government and good people of Ebonyi State

“I urge you to remain calm, law-abiding, and allow the competent security authorities to carry out their investigations unhindered.

He stressed that retaliation or the resort to self-help will only compound an already volatile situation.

“I have unwavering confidence that justice, though delayed, will not be denied. I call on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, and all stakeholders in the security architecture of this nation to rise to the occasion.

“This massacre cannot be swept under the carpet. We must collectively say: Enough is Enough to bloodshed and impunity in our land. The time to act is now.