By Nkechinyere Ewa
Leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State have called on security agencies to expedite investigations into the killing of an elderly party supporter, Chief Onwe Ubochi, in Osege, Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
Ubochi was reportedly murdered on Monday after attending an APGA consultation rally where he offered prayers and blessings for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, including its Ebonyi North Senatorial candidate, Chief Chikaodiri Ojimba, and Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency candidate, Chief Tochukwu Ogalagu.
His body was discovered the following day in a stream in the community, with injuries reportedly inflicted on his face and mouth.
APGA leaders, including the party’s candidates for various elective positions in the 2027 elections, visited the deceased’s family on Thursday to condole with them.
Speaking during the visit, Ojimba expressed sadness over the killing, describing it as barbaric and unfortunate that an elderly man could lose his life in such circumstances.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify their investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “The APGA family is not happy. The Ebonyi State Government is also not happy, and the security agencies are not happy. Nobody is happy except those behind the scene. “On behalf of my family, both immediate and extended, especially as it concerns the APGA family, we are here to console you. We are here to tell you that you are not alone. All of us, including those at home, are with you.”
Ojimba said the family had been pursuing justice over the incident and urged the security agencies to act swiftly. “I therefore call on the security apparatus to take action, speed up the investigation and ensure that those who committed this heinous act are brought to justice. “The family of Onwe Ubochi should rest assured that the perpetrators and masterminds of this crime must be unraveled by the security agencies. I trust the capacity of the Nigeria Police and the DSS to get to the root of this matter.”
He urged the security agencies to make use of every available clue and evidence in conducting a thorough investigation.
Also speaking, Ogalagu expressed confidence in the security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding Ubochi’s death.
He said the party would not allow the incident to be exploited by individuals seeking to cause further crisis in the community. “I have confidence in the security agencies. I believe they will do the needful by unraveling the circumstances surrounding his death and bringing the killers to justice. “We will also put our ears to the ground and use our local knowledge to find out if there are people who want to take advantage of what has happened to cause further problems in the community.”
Ogalagu disclosed that he had petitioned the relevant security authorities over the incident, while urging APGA supporters not to resort to reprisal attacks. “Please, if you are a supporter of APGA and you mean well for us, don’t go and fight for us. What will help us is to go to the chapel, kneel down and pray for us. “Leave revenge to God. If you see any security threat, please go to any police division very close to you to report and notify us.”
He said legal channels had been put in place to liaise with security agencies and pursue the matter.
Younger brother of the deceased, Monday Ubochi, thanked the APGA leaders for the condolence visit and assured them that the family would continue to support the party’s candidates.
He recalled that Ubochi had participated in prayers for Ogalagu and the development of the community before he was reported missing. “What actually happened was that our brother T-Man came to visit the community. He joined in the prayer for the progress and development of the community. After the event, the next news we received was that our brother was nowhere to be found. “We eventually found him dead. We have nothing else to do but believe that God and the government will help us bring whoever committed this act to book.”
Monday said the deceased was found the following day beside a river, adding that he had seen injuries on his brother’s face.
He appealed for justice, saying the family would continue to support efforts by the authorities to establish what happened and bring those responsible to book.