The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned in the strongest terms the gruesome murder of a young man from Obeagu Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State, Mr. Onyedika Chukwu Ede, who was reportedly attacked and killed by armed assailants at the community’s project site in Ndinwuba village.

According to eyewitness accounts, the deceased and other members of his community were working unarmed on their communal project site when the assailants, allegedly backed by armed security operatives, invaded the area and unleashed terror on the villagers. The victim, identified as a native of Ndinwuba village, was said to have been stabbed in the abdomen and died before receiving medical attention.

Reacting to the tragic incident, HURIWA, in a statement issued at the weekend by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the killing as “barbaric, inhuman, and a direct assault on the sanctity of life and the peace-loving people of Enugu State.” The Association lamented that the attack occurred in broad daylight and in the presence of witnesses, yet the perpetrators were able to carry out the act without immediate arrest or deterrence.

HURIWA called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately launch a full-scale investigation into the incident, unravel the killers, and expose the circumstances surrounding the attack. The group emphasized that bringing the culprits to justice is the only way to restore confidence in the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ lives in Enugu State. The Enugu State Government has the legal obligation to protect citizens from unlawful termination of their precious lives. This is one extrajudicial execution too many in the same community", HURIWA lamented.

The rights group further urged the Enugu State Government to take decisive action to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that land disputes within the state are resolved through legal and peaceful means, not through violence or intimidation.

While condoling with the family of the deceased and the entire Obeagu Awkunanaw community, HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to standing with victims of injustice and called for immediate government intervention to forestall the escalation of violence in the area.

“This tragic killing is a clear affront to humanity and justice. We call on security agencies to treat this as a test case of their commitment to protecting ordinary Nigerians. No individual or group should be allowed to take the law into their hands or shed innocent blood without consequences,” HURIWA stated.