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By Madu Obi
Youths of Umuoji in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State have stormed the Government House, Awka, and demanded speedy justice over the gruesome murder of their President General, Chief Sylvester Onyima.
Onyima was killed in his bedroom a fortnight ago and the Anambra State Police command has already arrested four suspects in connection with the murder.
Waving placards with various inscriptions, such as, "Delayed Justice is justice denied"; "Injustice to one is injustice to all"; and "Mr Governor, kindly prevail on the police to expedite action on this matter", the youths said they were worried that the outcome of the investigation was dragging unnecessarily.
National youth leader of Umuoji, Chudi Chikelu, who led the protest, regretted the delay in prosecuting the suspects.
He described the deceased as not just a father to Umuoji youths, but a "big masquerade" who has attracted many developments to the community.
"The youths are not happy over the delay in dispensing justice for the deceased. We urge the security agencies to speed up investigations and unmask the killers of our community leader as soon as possible," he added.
According to him, the youths were at the verge of becoming violent, but for the intervention of some people.
The President-General of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Titus Akpudo, called on the youths to remain calm to enable the police conclude their investigation.
"The ASATU family is fully interested in seeing this matter to its logical conclusion. But you should ensure that you know those living in your neighbourhood," he said.
Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Ernest Ezeajughi, who responded, promised the government's commitment to ensure that justice was served on the matter.
He emphasized that the state government would not want a repeat of such ugly incident in the state and promised to convey their message to the governor
"What happened affected everyone, including the state government, because, the late Onyima was dutifully offering his services before his life was cut short."
"The matter is still under investigation and those arrested are still in custody. The state government is committed to working with the police to ensure that justice is served," Ezeajighi stated.
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