Bad news from Anambra state…mass burial given to 50 unidentified bodies

 

Anambra Governor Peter Obi; critics say he ordered mass burial place without efforts made to determine their identity and cause of death or to unravel the Myths surrounding the dumping of over 50 lifeless bodies at the Ezu River Ugwuoba , Enugu state

Report reaching this newsonline say mass burial was given to the recovered dead bodies from the Ezu River yesterday. Myths surrounding the dumping of over 50 lifeless bodies at the Ezu River Ugwuoba, Enugu state, a boundary town to Amansea , Awka North Anambra state has continued to draw sharp reactions from Nigerians. Reports say indigenes of the area has appealed to the goddess of the Ezu River to wreck vengeance at the people that ‘defaced its serenity and healing power’ by dumping the dead bodies in the river. 

This is coming as Mass burial was given to the recovered dead bodies from the Ezu River yesterday after an unverified autopsy. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ikeakor led the state team to the mass burial while the Chairman of Awka North Hon Joy Enweluzor and Secretary to the Council Hon Paul Nnatuanya led the council staff to the burial.

An indigene of the area who witnessed the mass burial told elombah.com; “Yes Elombah, mass burial was given to them and it very unfortunate and Sad....That's Nigeria for you."

Commenting on the development, a London based lawyer from the state said: “It is disappointing to learn mass burial has already taken place without efforts made to determine their identity and cause of death or to unravel the Myths surrounding the dumping of over 50 lifeless bodies at the Ezu River Ugwuoba , Enugu state, a boundary town to Amansea, Awka North Anambra state. If we lack the expertise to investigate the death, why not involve international organisation?”

Continuing he said; “I remember that when the headless and limbless body of a five or six-year-old child, was found near Tower Bridge, London in September 2001, the UK police spent millions of pounds to investigate. When Forensic tests, involving samples taken from the bones, linked the boy to West Africa and subsequently to Nigeria, Officers investigating the case visited Nigeria in search of his roots. Now more than 50 unidentified corpses discovered and we rush to give them mass burial? Sad! Sad!! Sad!!!"

Shocking Discovery Of Possible Victims Of SARS Extra-judicial Killings:

In a Public Statement By The Intersociety Nigeria, dated 21 January 2013 and signed, their Chairman,
Emeka Umeagbalasi, the group noted for their meticulous investigative reports said: “IGP Abubakar should also investigate thoroughly and conclusively the recent shocking discovery of dozens of corpses inside the Amansea (Ezu) River, in Awka, Anambra State by the local residents on Saturday, January 19, 2013. The River is located between the borders of Anambra and Enugu States. Since there is no known intra and inter communal violence or conflict in the area, it is most likely that the corpses are victims of extra-judicial killings by SARS (Special Anti Robbery Squad) operatives in Anambra State. More so when little or nothing is heard of the prosecution, conviction or acquittal of those arrested for their involvement in violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and culpable murder, particularly after they have been paraded. They are rarely arraigned and prosecuted in courts. In November 2005, over 20 detained citizens were massacred by the Awka CPS SARS and dumped in the area (Agu-Awka). Therefore, every logical indication points in the direction of the Anambra State SARS and the Anti Kidnap squads as the source of the dead bodies. The IGP should order that the corpses be pathologically investigated to determine their style of killing and circumstances under which they were killed.”

It would be recalled that a combined team of policemen came in patrol vehicles with registration Number NPF 117 C, with inscription Anambra Cobra squad B division; NPF 2347 C Enugu state Anti-robbery squad and another plate less van written Cobra squad.

The leaders of Amansea and Awka North local government as well as the Anambra state Government have all visited the scene in sympathy of the Ugwuoba community and Save Our Soul cry to the Enugu state government to come to the scene for further actions.

Speaking on the development, the Awka North secretary, Hon Paul Nnatuanya said the local government has provided three tankers of water to avoid outbreak of epidemic to the Amansea people especially Iru-Owelle village.
Reacting Member Representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Emeka Nwogbo has commended the quick intervention of the Anambra state Governor, Mr Peter Obi who cut short his stay at London to visit the scene Sunday morning, ordering an autopsy and mass burial of the victims which is stinking heavily.

 

Nwogbo further appealed to the Inspector General of Police to order a thorough investigation by the Commissioners of police Anambra and Enugu states into the circumstances surrounding the death and dumping of the dead bodies in his constituency. 

Nwogbo solicited the patience of his constituents with the terrible situation , promising that he will promptly enlist relevant authorities to initiate actions towards finding out where the corpses came from and who dumped them into the river as well as to ensure that there is no re occurrence.

Nwogbo further said he would inform NEMA to take actions towards ensuring that no adverse health conditions and epidemic out breaks result because of that and commended Awka North Transition committee Chairman and members for supplying clean water to the people in the interim.  

 Elombah