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By Madu Obi
The Nawfia Progressive Union (NPU) has denied reports that its community Vigilante Group was responsible for the killing of three persons at the disputed land between Nawfia and its neighbouring Enugu-Kwu community.
The three persons were killed on September 9, 2024 and following the increasing tension in the two brother communities, the Anambra State Police command waded in and invited leaders of the two communities to the police headquarters in Awka.
In a statement in Awka, the President General of NPU, Chief Daniel Okoye, PG Nawfia community urged the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to him, Nawfia people were committed to cooperating with the relevant security agents in their efforts to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.
He said, however, that NPU took exception to a statement credited to Ezumezu Umunri, a socio-traditional group, which claimed to have identified the culprits and their motives, describing the statement as troubling, confusing and disappointing.
Ezumezu Umunri's claims that they know the culprits and their place of origin are unsubstantiated and lack evidence.
The Nigerian Police Force is yet to make any information public on the matter and investigation has just commenced.
The video evidence, voice notes and accounts from survivors suggest other possibilities, including cult-related activities or a business deal gone sour.
The Ezumezu Umunri's theories are based on hearsay and rumour-mongering," he added.
Okoye also denied that a vehicle allegedly abandoned at the scene of the crime was somehow linked to Nawfia Vigilante Group, expressing disappointment that a group claiming to be promoting unity and togetherness among the Nri Clan could issue such a divisive statement, especially when they were not sure of the authenticity of the information.
He urged Ezumezu Umunri to stop heating the polity with unguarded comments, which has put the lives and properties of Umunri at risk.
While reiterating the commitment of Nawfia community to peace, unity, and justice, he urged stakeholders in the area to work together to ensure that the truth behind the killings was uncovered and those responsible brought to justice.
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