Herdsmen killings: Why we summoned Enugu LG chairman, Ezugwu---- Police
The Enugu State police command has broken it's silence on the invitation it extended to the Chairman of Uzo Uwani Local Government of the state, Chijioke Ezugwu, noting that the local government council boss implicated in the sudden disappearance of eight Muslim worshippers at Opanda Community in his area.
The Enugu State police command has broken it's silence on the invitation it extended to the Chairman of Uzo Uwani Local Government of the state, Chijioke Ezugwu, noting that the local government council boss implicated in the sudden disappearance of eight Muslim worshippers at Opanda Community in his area.
SaharaReporters had reported that the chairman was summoned for allegedly setting up a local vigilante group to comb the forests in search of killer herdsmen wreaking havoc in the council area.
However, reacting to the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO,
Daniel Ndukwe, said Ezugwu, was invited after he was implicated in the disappearance of eight male Muslim worshippers in his area.
In a statement on Saturday, Ndukwe said,
“The Enugu State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that it summoned the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and insisted he make a statement under caution for establishing a vigilante group to confront killer herdsmen.
“The Command categorically describes the reports as misleading and a calculated attempt to distract from ongoing investigations into the murder of eight persons in a community within Uzo-Uwani LGA, in which the Chairman has been implicated.
“On March 15, 2025, the Command received a report of the disappearance of eight male Muslim worshippers in the Opanda community, Uzo-Uwani LGA. Search operations led to the discovery of the remains of five victims, found with gunshots and machete cuts, on March 16, while the burnt and decomposing bodies of the other three were later recovered, along with seven expended cartridges.
“A surviving child alleged that the attackers were members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and identified one of them riding a motorcycle. That rider was intercepted by joint security operatives but escaped. The Chairman reportedly called the operatives shortly after, requesting the release of the suspect's motorcycle.
“As a result of this implication, the Chairman was invited by the police to provide a statement and produce the suspect he had attempted to intervene for.
“It is crucial to clarify that his invitation is based solely on his alleged implication in the case, not because of the operation or existence of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, which is a recognised quasi-security outfit of the Enugu State Government.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has cautioned those peddling the false reports to desist from such misleading narratives. He emphasised that the investigation will be conducted with fairness, transparency, and a strong commitment to justice, without bias to tribe, ethnicity, or religion.
“CP Giwa further reaffirms the Command's commitment to maintaining law and order, noting that it will continue to tackle crime across the state without fear or favour. He urges the public to disregard misinformation and allow the police to conclude its investigation diligently and professionally.”
In a statement on Saturday, Ndukwe said,
“The Enugu State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that it summoned the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and insisted he make a statement under caution for establishing a vigilante group to confront killer herdsmen.
“The Command categorically describes the reports as misleading and a calculated attempt to distract from ongoing investigations into the murder of eight persons in a community within Uzo-Uwani LGA, in which the Chairman has been implicated.
“On March 15, 2025, the Command received a report of the disappearance of eight male Muslim worshippers in the Opanda community, Uzo-Uwani LGA. Search operations led to the discovery of the remains of five victims, found with gunshots and machete cuts, on March 16, while the burnt and decomposing bodies of the other three were later recovered, along with seven expended cartridges.
“A surviving child alleged that the attackers were members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and identified one of them riding a motorcycle. That rider was intercepted by joint security operatives but escaped. The Chairman reportedly called the operatives shortly after, requesting the release of the suspect's motorcycle.
“As a result of this implication, the Chairman was invited by the police to provide a statement and produce the suspect he had attempted to intervene for.
“It is crucial to clarify that his invitation is based solely on his alleged implication in the case, not because of the operation or existence of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, which is a recognised quasi-security outfit of the Enugu State Government.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has cautioned those peddling the false reports to desist from such misleading narratives. He emphasised that the investigation will be conducted with fairness, transparency, and a strong commitment to justice, without bias to tribe, ethnicity, or religion.
“CP Giwa further reaffirms the Command's commitment to maintaining law and order, noting that it will continue to tackle crime across the state without fear or favour. He urges the public to disregard misinformation and allow the police to conclude its investigation diligently and professionally.”
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