By Newspot Nigeria Staff Writer
The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Southeast Nigeria has condemned in strong terms the gruesome killing of 13 Ebonyi State indigenes in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The horrific incident, which occurred on the evening of Monday, July 1, 2025, has sparked national outrage, with civil society groups and residents calling for immediate justice and long-term solutions to rising inter-communal tensions.
In a press release issued on Thursday, July 17, WANEP Southeast Nigeria described the killings as “heinous” and “inhumane,” urging security agencies to conduct a full-scale, transparent investigation and ensure the swift prosecution of all perpetrators involved.
“These innocent lives were lost under circumstances that defy comprehension and humanity,” the statement read.
WANEP emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration between Ebonyi and Anambra States, structured peace dialogues, and deployment of security forces to border flashpoints. It further recommended the establishment of local peace committees, activation of Early Warning and Response Systems (EWER), and compensation for victims’ families.
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Southeast Zonal Coordinator of WANEP, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law, calling on all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s associations, and state authorities—to urgently work toward reconciliation and long-term peacebuilding.
WANEP also warned against reprisal attacks and urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and vigilant as investigations progress.
📝 FULL STATEMENT:
PRESS RELEASE
17th July 2025
WANEP Southeast Nigeria Condemns the Murder of 13 Ebonyi Indigenes in Ogboji Community, Orumba South LGA, Anambra State
Anambra state/ Southeast Nigeria
The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Southeast Nigeria is deeply saddened and condemns in the strongest terms the heinous murder of 13 innocent Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji community, Orumba South LGA, Anambra State. This tragic incident, which took place on Monday Evening on 1st July 2025, has shocked and outraged our community.
These innocent lives were lost under circumstances that defy comprehension and humanity. WANEP Southeast Nigeria calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into this gruesome act of violence. We demand that the perpetrators be swiftly brought to justice to face the full consequences of their actions.
In times like these, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including government authorities, security agencies, and community leaders, to work together to ensure that such atrocities never recur. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims, and we stand in solidarity with the affected communities during this difficult time.
WANEP Southeast Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and the rule of law in our communities. We urge all residents to remain calm and vigilant as we await justice for the victims of this senseless act.
Recommendations to Prevent Further Occurrence
In light of this tragic event, WANEP Southeast Nigeria makes the following recommendations to ensure justice, promote peace, and prevent future violence:
1. Thorough and Transparent Investigation
- The government of Anambra State and federal security agencies should immediately launch a full-scale, independent investigation into the incident.
- The findings must be made public and all perpetrators brought to justice.
2. Improved Inter-State Security Collaboration
- Ebonyi and Anambra State governments should strengthen cross-border security coordination, intelligence sharing, and early warning mechanisms to prevent violence and manage tensions between communities.
3. Community Peace Dialogue
- Traditional rulers, town unions, youth and women groups from both Ebonyi and Anambra communities should engage in structured peace dialogues to rebuild trust, address grievances, and establish conflict prevention frameworks.
4. Deployment of Security Forces to Flashpoints
- The Nigerian Police and other security agencies should increase their presence in vulnerable border communities and establish peacekeeping outposts to deter criminal elements.
5. Establishment of Peace Committees
- Government at local and state levels should work with civil society groups like WANEP to create joint community peace committees to mediate local disputes and monitor potential conflict triggers.
6. Proactive Government Engagement
- Both state governments must show political will by swiftly addressing root causes of inter-communal tensions, including land disputes, boundary demarcation, and social exclusion.
7. Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) Systems
- WANEP calls for the activation and funding of local EWER mechanisms to monitor and report emerging threats before they escalate into violence.
8. Compensation and Support for Victims’ Families
- The families of the deceased should be adequately compensated, and psychosocial support should be provided to help them cope with their loss.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Southeast Zonal Coordinator, WANEP
Tel: 08033383708 | 07062949232
State Coordinators:
- Prof. Obioma Nwaorgu – Global Health Awareness Research Foundation (GHARF), Enugu State
- Chioma Odera Ikegbunam – Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Center, Ebonyi State
- Basil Ejigini – Serene Society Initiative, Imo State
- Okoye Hope Nkiruka – Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking and Community Development Initiative, Anambra State
- Assumpta Nwakanma – Initiative for Women Empowerment and Development (IWED), Abia State
🕊️ About WANEP Southeast Nigeria
The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Southeast Nigeria is dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence and resolving conflicts through dialogue, mediation, and advocacy. We collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to foster sustainable peace and development across the region.
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