Human rights lawyer,Ejiofor Urges Soludo to Probe Killing of 13 Ebonyi Natives In Anambra

Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo and human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor

Renowned human rights lawyer and legal counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government and all relevant security agencies to immediately launch a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the gruesome killing of 13 Ebonyi State natives in Ogboji, Anambra State.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Barbaric Massacre of Ebonyi Natives in Ogboji, Anambra State: A Wake-Up Call for Justice and Accountability,” Ejiofor demanded that those responsible for the heinous crime be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,regardless of their status, connections, or perceived immunity.
Ejiofor unequivocally condemned the killings, describing them as “dastardly acts of inhumanity” that must not be swept under the rug.
He said that justice must be served, not just for the sake of the victims and their families, but to reinforce public trust in the rule of law and the capacity of the state to safeguard its citizens.
Ejiofor stressed that the findings of any investigation must be made public, noting that Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. He said concealing the truth would only embolden impunity and deepen public distrust.
He further warned that failure to address the incident decisively could further erode public confidence in the government’s willingness and ability to protect lives,especially those of citizens who reside outside their states of origin.
Ejiofor’s statement comes amid growing concerns about ethnic violence and rising insecurity across the country.
He called on Governor Charles Soludo to demonstrate leadership and ensure that the perpetrators face swift and uncompromised justice.
The statement reads:
” It is with an overwhelming sense of grief, deep outrage, and utter condemnation that I address the tragic, senseless, and cold-blooded massacre of thirteen (13) defenceless and law-abiding Nigerians of Ebonyi State origin, brutally murdered in Ogboji Town, Anambra State, on the 30th day of June, 2025.
This reprehensible and cowardly act, targeted at innocent citizens who merely assembled for a lawful meeting, constitutes not only a direct affront to their fundamental human rights but an assault on the collective conscience of our nation. It is a grim reminder of the deteriorating state of security across the country and a further indictment of the prevailing failure to guarantee the sanctity of human life.
The right to life, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and the liberty to reside and engage in lawful activities in any part of the country are constitutional guarantees enshrined under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The heinous killing of these harmless individuals is, therefore, a grievous violation of these sacred rights and an intolerable affront to the principles of justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence.

I unequivocally condemn this dastardly act in the strongest possible terms and demand that the Anambra State Government, alongside all relevant security agencies, immediately commence a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into this tragic incident. The perpetrators of this barbaric crime must be identified, apprehended, and subjected to the full weight of the law, no matter how highly placed or shielded they may appear to be.
We insist that the findings of the investigations must not be shrouded in secrecy. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, as this incident, if left unaddressed, will further erode public confidence in the ability of the State to protect its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or state of origin.

To the bereaved families, the government and good people of Ebonyi State, I extend my heartfelt condolences and solidarity in this dark hour. I urge you to remain calm, law-abiding, and allow the competent security authorities to carry out their investigations unhindered. Retaliation or the resort to self-help will only compound an already volatile situation.
I have unwavering confidence that justice, though delayed, will not be denied. I call on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, and all stakeholders in the security architecture of this nation to rise to the occasion. This massacre cannot be swept under the carpet. We must collectively say: Enough is Enough to bloodshed and impunity in our land.
The time to act is now”