The gruesome murder of Nze Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu of Etti village in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State by men of the underworld in the late evening of Saturday, November 11, 2023, continues to unsettle the residents of Nanka community, due to an alleged slow investigation by the security agencies who are expected to unravel the assassins.
To this extent, a socio-cultural group, Nanka Forum, has called on the police and the Department of State Services (DSS)to double up their efforts in solving the mystery around the murder of Mohale. This call was made through a press statement released by the group and signed by its leaders, Ikenna Ezenekwe and Barrister Chinwike Ezebube dated January 12, 2024.
According to the press statement victim 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, 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.
The statement said that Ezenwegbu was an active member of the group.
“He was known for his good heart and willingness to help people. He was a gifted grassroots politician, loved by everyone. We will miss him for his outspoken nature and his ability to bring people together. He was one of a kind,” the statement partly reads.
“Joe Ezenwegbu’s death should not be allowed to be swept under the carpet. His killers must 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 Ezenwegbu go unpunished. It will indeed be a letdown to the government of Anambra State and the nation.
“The people of Nanka community are at present living in fear of the gunmen striking again. With the re-run election slated for February 3, 2024, there is palpable apprehension which may reduce the number people that will participate in the electoral exercise. There is need to beef up security to avert another incident, ”the statement added.
Chief Ezenwegbu’s assassination comes amidst several other unexplained killings and murders of prominent indigenes of Nanka.
The group pleaded with the security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into the mysterious killings and murders in the community.
