The Ebonyi Unity Forum in Anambra State has condemned two separate cases of alleged killings in Aguata Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks against Ebonyi indigenes.
The incidents reportedly occurred in Uga and Ori-Eri communities. They involved the alleged murder of a 23-year-old woman, Mmesoma Umeorini, by her boyfriend following a reported breakup, and the death of an 18-year-old boy who was allegedly killed by his father.
The incidents have reportedly raised concerns about the profiling and stigmatisation of some Ebonyi indigenes living in the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, the President-General of the Ebonyi Unity Forum, Chief Moses Ofoke, and its Secretary, Aloke Stanley, expressed shock and sadness over the reported killings.
The group called on residents to exercise restraint, maintain peaceful relations and allow security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
According to the forum, one of the cases involved Mmesoma Umeorini, a young woman from Uga in Aguata LGA, whose boyfriend, identified as Ofoke Chima from Ntezi-Aba in Ebonyi State, was reportedly linked to her death.
The forum said information available to it indicated that the deceased and the suspect had been in a relationship for approximately five to six years before the incident.
The second case involved an 18-year-old boy reportedly killed by his father, an indigene of Ebonyi State, in Ori-Eri community, also in Aguata Local Government Area.
The forum described both incidents as deeply disturbing and called for a comprehensive investigation, particularly into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.
It stressed that the reported actions of individuals must not be used to judge an entire ethnic or state population.
As part of its efforts to understand the incidents and engage the relevant authorities, representatives of the Ebonyi Unity Forum reportedly visited the State Criminal Investigation Department in Anambra State.
The visit was followed by an emergency meeting attended by the forum’s leadership, including the Traditional Leader of Non-Indigenes Living in Anambra State, HRH Igwe Amos Nkwuda.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ofoke maintained that no personal disagreement, relationship dispute, provocation or family misunderstanding could justify taking another person’s life.
He emphasised that disputes should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means rather than violence.
The forum also extended its condolences to the families of Mmesoma and the 18-year-old boy, expressing hope that they would find strength and comfort during the difficult period.
The group called on the Anambra State Police Command, the State Criminal Investigation Department and other relevant security agencies to conduct thorough, impartial and transparent investigations into the two cases.
It urged the authorities to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The forum further appealed for professionalism and diligence in handling the investigations, noting that justice and accountability were necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It reiterated that the alleged actions of individuals should not be attributed to the wider Ebonyi population.
According to the forum, Ebonyi indigenes residing in Anambra State remain committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cordial relationships with their host communities.
The Ebonyi Unity Forum cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, spreading unverified reports or making inflammatory comments capable of escalating tensions.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to work together to maintain peace and prevent the incidents from damaging relationships between Ebonyi indigenes and their host communities.
The forum described the reported killings within the same local government area as a painful development that requires serious reflection and decisive action.
It reaffirmed its opposition to violence and called for justice, accountability and peaceful coexistence among communities in Anambra State.
The group maintained that protecting human life, allowing the law to take its course and preventing retaliatory violence should remain priorities as investigations into the incidents continue.
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