By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
The people of Edda clan in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi state have rejected calls for clemency and unconditional release of persons standing trial over the alleged killing of four indigenes of Okporojo community, insisting that justice must take its full course.
The clan described demands for the release of the suspects as provocative and capable of undermining ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in the state.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of Nzuko Edda, Abakaliki Branch, Chief David Nkama, and the Secretary, Chief Stanley Ngwu.
The statement was in reaction to a communiqué reportedly issued by stakeholders and political leaders of Amasiri clan after a meeting held on May 6, 2026, at De Baze Hotel, Amasiri, as well as comments allegedly credited to a Facebook platform, Amasiri Odyssey, calling for clemency for the suspects.
According to the statement, the January 29, 2026 attack led to the gruesome killing of four indigenes of Okporojo community, including the beheading of three victims, while several residents were abducted and about 29 houses and valuable property destroyed.
The group noted that the incident left many families devastated and displaced, describing the killings as shocking and traumatic to the entire state.
The Edda people commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for what they described as courageous and statesmanlike actions taken after the incident, particularly the arraignment and prosecution of the 33 suspects allegedly indicted by police investigations.
They stated that the governor’s intervention restored public confidence in the justice system and reinforced the principle that no individual or group is above the law.
The clan, however, expressed concern over what it termed attempts to politicise the killings through calls for the unconditional release of defendants currently facing trial.
They argued that such demands amounted to a display of impunity and disregard for the pain suffered by the victims and their families.
“Justice cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political pressure, clannish sentiments or emotional appeals. Sustainable peace can only be achieved where truth, accountability and responsibility prevail,” the statement read.
The group further alleged that no meaningful reconciliatory steps had been initiated by the Amasiri community since the attacks, warning that pressure on the state government to grant clemency before judicial determination of the matter could worsen tensions and reopen old wounds.
The clan insisted that prosecution of all persons indicted in connection with the killings should continue without interference, intimidation or political pressure, stressing that any attempt to politicise the matter could jeopardise efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace.
They urged the Ebonyi state government to remain committed to justice, fairness and accountability, maintaining that genuine reconciliation could only be achieved through sincerity, remorse, truth and respect for the rule of law.
The group added that despite the magnitude of losses suffered, the people of Okporojo and the Edda clan had exercised restraint because of their confidence in the government’s commitment to justice.
They appealed to Governor Nwifuru not to succumb to pressure for the release of the suspects before the conclusion of judicial proceedings, expressing confidence that the courts would ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done.
According to them, lasting peace in Ebonyi state can only be guaranteed when those responsible for criminal acts are made to face the full weight of the law while innocent citizens are assured protection, justice and security.
