Igbo-Speaking Community Leaders Call for Calm, Seek Justice After Tragic Death of Charles Nwachukwu

Igbo-Speaking Community Leaders Call for Calm, Seek Justice After Tragic Death of Charles Nwachukwu

By Naomi Onome

Chief Sunday Udeh, President-General of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, delivered a heartfelt and conciliatory address while leading members of the executive committee on a condolence visit to the family of the late Charles Nwachukwu, also known as Akunwata. He explained that their visit was not only to sympathise with the bereaved family but also to gather accurate information about the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death.

In his remarks, Udeh emphasised the importance of the Igbo community’s leadership structure in Lagos, particularly the institution of the Ezendigbo, which was established in 1998 to manage tensions and foster peaceful coexistence between ethnic groups. He noted that before the creation of this leadership role, incidents of violence, including killings and destruction of property, were more frequent between Igbos and other ethnic groups, especially the Yoruba. According to him, the presence of the Ezendigbo has helped to significantly reduce such crises by providing timely intervention and guidance during periods of tension.

Addressing the tragic incident, Udeh urged the family and the wider community to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation or actions that could escalate into ethnic conflict. He stressed that without the stabilising role of community leadership, such incidents could spiral into broader crises. He commended the prompt intervention of the Ezendigbo of Ijegun-Ijeododo, Eze Chika Nwokedi, who he said had already contacted security agencies to ensure the situation was brought under control.

Udeh assured the family that the matter had been handed over to the Nigerian police, who are expected to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation. He stated that the community would await the outcome of the investigation to determine whether the death was due to natural causes or the result of foul play, emphasising that the law would ultimately take its course based on the findings.

While acknowledging the pain of the loss, he encouraged the bereaved to find strength in faith, noting that although the circumstances may be difficult to understand, they should remain grateful to God and trust in His will. He reiterated the community’s commitment to following up on the case to ensure justice is served.

In closing, Udeh appealed once more to members of the Igbo community in the area to maintain peace and allow law enforcement authorities to carry out their duties without interference. He expressed appreciation to community members for their cooperation and praised the leadership for acting swiftly to prevent any breakdown of law and order. He also offered prayers for the deceased’s family, encouraging them to remain strong and hopeful, trusting that God would care for them in their time of grief.

Dr Anthony Ukachukwu, the Obi Ndigbo of Ijagemo, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to the leadership of the Igbo community, acknowledging the presence and efforts of the President General. He began by highlighting the visible impact and influence that the leadership has had on the Igbo people, emphasising that their presence and actions are recognised and valued across the landscape.

Dr Ukachukwu conveyed his personal admiration for a young man he holds in high regard, noting the love and mutual respect they share, despite having faced serious challenges that created difficulties in their interactions. He recounted a specific incident involving a woman with three children who were in financial distress. In that moment of need, the young man stepped forward, paid their bills, and provided relief, demonstrating his compassion and willingness to help others. Dr Ukachukwu used this example to underline the young man’s generosity and commitment to supporting his people.

He further stressed that true leadership is not determined by wealth but by actions, example, and service to the community. Using a metaphor, he likened leadership to a shepherd who cares for all his sheep, highlighting that effective leadership involves care, guidance, and sacrifice rather than material riches. Dr Ukachukwu praised the leadership’s sacrifices, emphasising that through their actions, longstanding issues of marginalisation among the Igbo people in their area are being addressed.

Emotionally moved, Dr Ukachukwu acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by his brother, expressing sorrow and praying for his peaceful rest. He reiterated the importance of solidarity and brotherhood within the community, asking leaders not to abandon their people. He concluded by offering prayers for continued blessings and divine guidance upon the leadership, expressing gratitude and hope that their example will inspire others in the community. Throughout his statement, his words reflected a mix of personal emotion, communal concern, and deep respect for those serving the Igbo people.

Chief Sunday, a long-time resident of Ijagemo, expressed deep sorrow over the recent death of a community member, describing him as a pillar of the Igbo community in Lagos. He emphasised that the killers’ visit for condolence shows acknowledgement of wrongdoing and urged that the law take its course. Chief Sunday highlighted the deceased’s contributions to both family and community, including involvement in local elections and traditional leadership activities.

Speaking on behalf of the Igbo youth in Lagos, Dr Okechukwu Izuegbunam condemned the act of killing, particularly during celebrations, noting that it violates Igbo cultural values which deeply respect life. He called for caution to prevent future violence, asserting that even the president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would not condone such acts. The message stressed unity, justice, and the importance of valuing life.

Okechukwu Izuegbunam condemned recurring violent incidents in Ijegemo, Lagos, emphasising that the youth will no longer tolerate such acts. He stated that law enforcement and the courts should handle these matters and called on the police, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, to ensure thorough investigations and hold all perpetrators accountable. He stressed that such violence, including the killing of community members, is unacceptable, forbidden in Igboland, and must be stopped to prevent further tragedies and maintain peace.

Eze Dr CC Nwokedi, the Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo and Chairman of the Council of Ndi Eze Igbo Lagos, expressed his deep appreciation to key figures in the Igbo-speaking community for their support and dedication in addressing a recent criminal incident. He acknowledged High Chief Sunday Udeh, the President General of the Igbo-Speaking Community; Chief Joshua, the Secretary; the legal team; and youth leaders including Okechukwu Izuegbunam, as well as law enforcement officials such as the DPO of Isheri Oshun Police Division, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, for their active roles in the investigation. He highlighted that five suspects had already been arrested and were in custody, emphasising the importance of allowing the police to continue their work without interference.

Eze Nwokedi reflected on the gravity of the crimes and the human suffering involved, noting that incidents like these could affect anyone if left unaddressed. He stressed the broader impact on families, recounting cases of prolonged illness, accidents, and deaths caused by criminal actions, to underscore why silence and inaction cannot be tolerated. He urged the community to remain vigilant and proactive, emphasising that justice must be pursued for those who have committed offences while ensuring innocent people are not wrongly targeted.

Concluding his statement, Eze Nwokedi affirmed his commitment to serving as Ezendigbo and striving for justice in the community. Though his tenure as Ezendigbo is only four years, he described himself as dedicated and guided by faith, leaving the ultimate outcomes to God. He thanked the community members and leaders for their trust and support, recognising their efforts in restoring hope, upholding justice, and reinforcing the legacy of the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos.

Chief Emmanuel Ejiogu expressed gratitude for the efforts of his leader in pursuing justice for Charles Nwachukwu. He emphasised that their community in Lagos is peace-loving and appreciates mutual respect with others in Yorubaland and thanked the President General (PG) and the executive committee (EXCO) of the Igbo-Speaking Community for their support, praying that God blesses them.

Mr Jonas, also known as IBB, expressed that the deceased was his junior brother and emphasised the importance of seeking justice. He thanked the Igbo-speaking community for their efforts, highlighted the deceased’s significant contributions and unfinished projects for their community, and called on authorities—including the IGP Tunji Disu, the Inspector General of Police; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian President; and Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu, the Governor of Lagos State—to ensure justice. He stressed that they seek justice peacefully and are not violent.