Reacting to the Growing Pattern of Unresolved Political & Community-related Murders in Enugu Statethe, immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, has called for an end to what he describes as a "conspiracy of silence" in the state following the assassination of Chief Stephen Aniagu, Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA). The killing, which occurred in broad daylight, has sent shockwaves through the community.
In a statement issued to reporters in Enugu, Dr. Nwoye lamented the growing pattern of unresolved political and community-related murders. He noted that despite the 48-hour deadline given to security agencies to resolve Aniagu's murder, no progress has been made.
“The brutal killing of Chief Stephen Aniagu serves as a painful reminder that criminal elements in Enugu State continue their violent enterprises, targeting and murdering politicians, emerging leaders, and community figures without any accountability,” Nwoye stated.
Nwoye highlighted the disturbing trend of unresolved murders in Enugu, criticizing both the security agencies and the general public for their inaction. He recalled his own experience as a survivor of an assassination attempt in 2018, which left his police orderly critically injured. Despite promises from the police, no one has been held accountable for the attack.
He also pointed to the cases of Comrade Kelvin Ezeoha and Chidera Ogaba, both of whom were murdered while attending an APC meeting, as well as the assassination of Chief Barr. Oyibo Chukwu and his driver just days before the 2023 general elections. None of these cases have seen significant progress in bringing the culprits to justice.
“The killers of Barr Oyibo Chukwu and his driver are still at large,” Nwoye stressed. “On the same day Chukwu was murdered, another senseless killing occurred when the driver of Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo was assassinated. Yet, the authorities have remained silent, with no substantial leads or arrests.”
Nwoye further recounted the murder of Hon. Chief Dons Udeh, a prominent Enugu figure, just months after Chukwu’s death. Despite a public reward of 5,000,000 naira by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for information, Udeh’s murder remains unsolved.
With the Local Government Elections just a week away, the assassination of Chief Aniagu has heightened tensions in the state. Nwoye implored the citizens of Enugu to break their silence and provide any information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for these heinous crimes.
“The conspiracy of silence must end. Ndi Enugu cannot continue to ignore the killers of our leaders,” Nwoye declared. He emphasized that the perpetrators of these murders are not mysterious figures, but people known to the community. “Someone knows who killed Aniagu, who targeted Chukwu, and who is behind all these deaths. It’s time to speak up.”
Nwoye urged witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward, stating that without public cooperation, the cycle of violence in Enugu will continue unchecked.
While the state grapples with yet another high-profile murder, the demand for justice grows louder. Dr. Nwoye’s call for an end to the conspiracy of silence is a stark reminder that Enugu’s unresolved killings cast a long shadow over its politics and security, with critical elections just days away. Whether the citizens and security agencies can rise to the occasion remains to be seen.
