Killer soldier won’t go scot-free-Ikpeazu assures deceased’s family

It was an emotional Thursday at the country home of slain Chimaobi Nwaorgu, Amaise, Umuokereke Ngwa in Obingwa LGA of Abia State when the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu paid an unscheduled visit to the family to condole with them over the loss of their loved one.

Recall that Nwaorgu, a commercial motorcyclist was reportedly killed by a yet-to-be known soldier on Wednesday in his father’s compound which resulted to breakdown of law and order as youths from the community took to the streets to protest the killing of their kinsman.

Speaking at the deceased family compound on Thursday, Gov. Ikpeazu vowed to ensure that justice was served on the killer soldier.

Ikpeazu directed the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Ene Okon, to step up investigations to unravel why a soldier attached to the Ohanze military checkpoint shot and killed a 30-year-old commercial motorcyclist.

 The governor who was accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ene Okon, Police Area Commander for Aba, ACP Okpara and other senior Police Officers, described the killing of the 30-year-old young man as wicked, malicious, unprofessional and cowardly.

 He expressed deep sadness that security personnel who are paid and maintained by taxpayers’ money will turn around to kill the person that he is being paid to secure, stating that the circumstances surrounding the killing of late Nwaorgu are unacceptable to the government and people of Abia State.

 The Governor, who was visibly emotional, wondered why a soldier will pursue an unarmed young man from Ohanze Village to Umuokereke Ngwa, a distance of about 25 kilometers and shot him from behind for no just cause.

 According to the Governor, “This is one murder too many. We will do everything possible under the law to get this murderous soldier and bring him to justice. Whatever it takes, we will do. We will go to Abuja or any other place to ensure that this soldier doesn’t go scot-free.

 “The death of this young man is extremely painful and cannot go in vain. This is my position and this is the position of the Government and people of Abia State”.

 The sight of the young wife, who has suddenly become a widow with his two infant sons and his aged mother, evokes a feeling of strong emotions and the atmosphere was very charged with many wailing uncontrollably.

 The Governor assured the family that he will personally ensure that the young family is not allowed to suffer.

 He also announced that the killer soldier who was arrested hours after the incident is currently in detention and thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ene Okon for the prompt response to the matter.

 Governor Ikpeazu pleaded with the family and the entire community to take heart and accept the sad incident with philosophical calmness.

 While advising against violent demonstrations which could aggravate the already charged situation, the Governor told the people to trust his ability to pursue the deal with this matter decisively.

 The Governor later moved to the Community Hall where addressed the people and youths of the Community and renewed his appeal for calm.

 Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Barrister Akpulonu Solomon, Chairman of Obingwa LGA, Honorable Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Chairman of Obingwa LGA, Chief Chidiebere Ihenyirimadu and others were part of the Governor’s entourage.