By Nkechinyere Ewa
The remains of a 78-year-old man, Chief Johnson Okoro Obasi, murdered by suspected political thugs in Ekoli Community, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have been laid to rest amid tears, grief, and renewed calls for justice.
Obasi was attacked on June 1 during a violent clash between rival political groups in the area a crisis that claimed several lives and left properties worth millions destroyed. An autopsy later confirmed that he died from internal bleeding and multiple bruises sustained during the assault.
The late septuagenarian was buried at the weekend in his compound, with family members, traditional rulers, and community leaders expressing outrage over what they described as a politically motivated killing.
In an emotional tribute, his nephew, former lawmaker and ex-Edda Local Government Chairman, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, lamented the “brutal and untimely” death of his uncle, noting that longevity runs in their family.
“Your years on earth were brutally cut short by agents of darkness, even though you belonged to a stock in which longevity is taken for granted the ‘Ibe Eze Nta Aja’ family,” he said.
Chima, who accused the killers of still roaming free without remorse, made spiritual remarks urging his late uncle to “avenge his death” and protect his loved ones who, he alleged, have already faced assassination attempts.
Traditional rulers in the community also condemned the killing, blaming political actors for the persistent crisis in Ekoli.
Chief Etta Egor Akanu alleged that some suspects earlier arrested over killings in the area—including the death of one Nnachi Uzor—were released shortly after being remanded, worsening fears and tension in the community.
“Politicians sent their thugs to beat up Okoro Obasi and he died as a result. These politicians don’t want peace in our community,” he said. “Government should stop releasing these people causing trouble. They have returned to terrorize us.”
He lamented that despite a stakeholders’ meeting convened by Governor Francis Nwifuru to restore peace in Edda, none of the agreed recommendations had been implemented.
Another traditional ruler, Thomas Ama, described Obasi’s death as painful and avoidable. He called for immediate enforcement of all resolutions reached during the peace meeting with the governor, adding that a particular group was still parading arms despite the directive that all factions must disarm.
Residents say the atmosphere in the community remains tense, with fears that renewed violence may erupt if the perpetrators are not brought to justice.
