Anambra land tussle: Vigilante group not behind death of three persons – NPU tells Police

By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka

The leadership and members of the Nawfia Progressive Union (NPU) have denied reports by a section of the media that their community’s Vigilante Group (AVG Nawfia), was responsible for the death of three persons over land dispute between the community and neighbouring Enugwu-Ukwu town.

Both Nawfia and Enugu Ukwu communities are in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state.

The ugly incident occurred on Monday, September 9, 2024.

The union, in a press release issued to newsmen on Friday by NPU Central Media, expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

The NPU reiterated its commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in their efforts to arrest the culprits and bring them to justice.

The union also emphasized its full support to security agencies in their investigations, urging them to do everything necessary to unravel the truth behind the killings.

The NPU took exception to a press statement by one Ezumezu Umunri, a socio-traditional group, which claimed to have identified the culprits and their motives.

They described Ezumezu Umunri’s statement as “troubling and confusing” and expressed disappointment in their premature accusations.

According to the NPU, Ezumezu Umunri’s claims that they knew the culprits and their place of origin were unsubstantiated and lacked evidence.

The union pointed out that the Nigerian Police Force has yet to make any information public, and the investigation has just commenced.

The people highlighted that video evidence, voice notes, and accounts from survivors suggest other possibilities, including cult-related activities or a business deal gone wrong.

The union emphasized that no explanation has been eliminated yet and that Ezumezu Umunri’s theories are based on hearsay and rumour-mongering.

They denied that “a vehicle abandoned at the scene of the crime was linked to Anambra Vigilante Group (Nawfia). That suggests that security agents of Anambra State and the Nawfia community are implicit in these heinous crimes.”

The NPU expressed disappointment that a group claiming to promote unity and togetherness among the Nri clan would issue such a divisive message, especially when they are not sure of the authenticity of the information.

The union urged Ezumezu Umunri to stop heating the polity with their unguarded comments, which put the lives and properties of Ndi Umunri at risk.

Furthermore, the NPU noted that many members of Ezumezu Umunri have rejected and distanced themselves from the group’s rushed and biased communique.

The union questioned the motives behind Ezumezu Umunri’s statement, wondering if there is a deeper issue at play.

The NPU called on the general public, especially the people of Umunri, to desist from making inflammatory comments and to avoid jumping to conclusions until a thorough investigation is conducted.

They maintained that this is a time for mourning and somber reflection, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow the security agents to do their job.

They also reiterated their commitment to peace, unity, and justice, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the truth behind the killings is uncovered and those responsible are brought to justice.