A family in Ebonyi State has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), alleging a sustained campaign of violence, threats, and abductions targeted at its members.
The petition, titled “Appeal for Urgent Intervention and Protection Over Sustained Threats, Killings, and Kidnappings Targeting the Okorie Chukwu Family in Ishiagu, Ebonyi,” was signed by Dr. Justus Okorie on behalf of the Okorie Chukwu family of Amaonye in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area.
According to the document, which was made available to newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday, the family expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of two female relatives – Ms. Ngozi Chukwu and Ms. Juliet Chukwu – in Enugu State. The arrest is in connection with the kidnapping of their elder brother, Mr. Friday Chukwu, and their cousin, Mr. Denise Igwe.
The family disclosed that their anxiety intensified after the name of another relative, Chief Emmanuel Okorie, was found on a “hit list” recovered from the suspects by security operatives.
“We are yet to recover from the trauma of the gruesome murder of our son, Mr. Chibuenyi Okorie, followed closely by the abduction and killing of our mother, Mrs. Catherine Okorie,” the petition read.
The family stated that, despite public outcry, there has been no meaningful progress in prosecuting the suspects and that justice remains elusive.
“This heinous chain of events began with the cold-blooded murder of one of our sons under circumstances widely believed to be linked to organised crime.
“Six months later, our mother was abducted, and her remains were later discovered in a shallow grave in a neighbouring community in Abia State.
“Shockingly, the recent arrest of members of a kidnapping gang by the Enugu State Police Command led to the recovery of a list containing the names of intended targets, including that of our family member, Chief Emmanuel Okorie,” the petition stated.
The family said the discovery confirmed their worst fears of a coordinated plot to annihilate them.
They further alleged that some individuals previously linked to these crimes have since received political appointments, suggesting possible complicity and a cover-up.
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“Our family now lives in constant fear. Only a few of us can afford police escorts, while the rest remain dangerously exposed,” they lamented.
They called on the IGP to intervene urgently, stating, “We are not asking for special treatment; we are only asking for our constitutionally guaranteed right to life and security.”
The family urged the IGP to launch a high-level investigation into the attacks, expedite the prosecution of suspects, provide enhanced protection for family members, and investigate any alleged involvement of political office holders and security personnel.
“We are law-abiding citizens who believe in the Nigerian justice system.
“However, without your intervention, more lives may be lost, and a dangerous precedent could be set,” the family warned.
They concluded by expressing confidence in the IGP’s commitment to justice and the protection of all Nigerian citizens.
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