Onuwaje Murder: Warri High Chief Demands Manhunt as Tension Rises in Ugborodo

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has urged security agencies to urgently track down and prosecute those responsible for the killing of Emiko Onuwaje in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Chief Emami made the call in a statement issued on Monday and made available to THISDAY in Abuja, shortly after he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, following the killing which occurred over the weekend.

Strongly condemning the incident, the APC chieftain described the murder as unfortunate and deeply regrettable.

He lamented that such an inhumane act was allegedly carried out by people who should see themselves as brothers.

According to him, no grievance or misunderstanding could justify the taking of a human life, stressing that violence only undermines peace, unity and development within the community.

Chief Emami appealed to security agencies to intensify their efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice, noting that decisive action would serve as a deterrent to others and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He also called on the people of Ugborodo to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them not to allow the tragic incident to degenerate into further violence or reprisals.

The Ologbotsere charged indigenes of Ugborodo Federated Communities to close ranks and work together to flush out criminal elements, insisting that the quest for peace and development in the area must not be derailed by individuals with criminal tendencies.

He assured the community that efforts aimed at fast-tracking development and improving the welfare of the people would continue, adding that criminality would not be allowed to hold Ugborodo hostage.

The Itsekiri National Youth Council, INYC, had earlier in a statement strongly condemned the gruesome murder of Onuwaje, saying there was no justification “for the barbaric act.”

President of Itsekiri National Youth Council, Comrade Appearance Afejuku, in a statement Saturday evening, noted that the gory pictures of the deceased’s murder, which started circulating on social media Saturday afternoon, was unacceptable, saying the killers must face the wrath of the law.

According to him, available information suggested that Emiko was killed by some youths and persons, who allegedly wore uniform of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC at Ogidigben in Ugborodo, Warri South – West Local Government Area.

He vowed that the Itsekiri youth body will not rest on its oars, until the sponsors and killers of Emiko Onuwaje, an Ugborodo Indigene, are brought to book.