Senator Athan Achonu Condemns Okigwe Killings

…Urges Ndi Igbo to End Self-Destruction

Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, former lawmaker and Labour Party Governorship Candidate in the 2023 Imo State Election, has condemned the brutal killing of five innocent persons in Ezinachi, Okigwe LGA, days after military personnel were withdrawn from the area. The victims — Mr. Emeka Ezeagwula, Mrs. Blessing C. Ezeagwula, Mr. Ejike Otuonye, Mr. Chidi Chineke, and one yet-to-be-identified person — were murdered in cold blood by gunmen who invaded the community unchallenged.

Describing the incident as “a shameful indictment on the leadership of Local and State Governments,” Senator Achonu demanded that LGA chairmen take charge, mobilize communities, liaise with security agencies, and defend lives. He warned that direct federal allocations to the councils must translate into real grassroots security.

While commending the courage of Okigwe youths who recently launched a vigilante group, he cautioned that without training, equipment, and coordination with the Police and military, they remain exposed. “We must strengthen them, not abandon them,” he stressed.

In a passionate appeal, Senator Achonu charged Ndi Okigwe and Ndi Igbo at large to stop the cycle of self-destruction: “Onye gbụrụ nwanne ya abụghị dike” (he who kills his brother is no warrior) and “Ife kwulu, ife akwudebe ya” (nothing stands alone; our survival depends on standing together). “Enough is enough. We cannot continue killing ourselves while outsiders profit from our pain,” he said.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged urgent community-led security partnerships, real investment in local intelligence, and unity across Igbo land. “History will not forgive us if we allow our villages to become graveyards. The time to act and to unite is now.”