Attack On Ebonyi Journalist: Ohanaeze Appeals To Governor For Investigation

By Alex Odeh

The pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the Executive Governor of Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru, to order a comprehensive and independent investigation into the brutal assault on Benjamin Nworie.

Nworie, who is a THISDAY reporter in Ebonyi State was recently attacked by persons suspected to be political thugs, allegedly loyal to the Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Ifeoma Peace Agwu.

Ohanaeze expressed anger and disappointment over the attack, especially when the bizarre act was carried out in front the eight- years- old child of Benjamin Nworie and his wife.

In a press statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Chinyeze Ohia , Deputy President and National Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo respectively, called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to call upon the LGA Boss of Ishielu, Mrs Peace Agwu, to appear before him on this matter.

The statement reads, “We earnestly appeal to Governor Nwifuru to exercise his authority and utilize his esteemed office as the chief security officer of Ebonyi State to conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation into the deeply disturbing incident surrounding the unwarranted attack on Mr Benjamin Nworie.

‘Mr Nworie is not just an ordinary individual; he is the Ebonyi State reporter of the reputable THISDAY Newspaper and the former State Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

‘The attack on him, carried out by suspected thugs allegedly loyal to Mrs Peace Agwu, the Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, is a blatant violation of his rights and an affront to the principles of a free and just society.

‘Our message to Mrs Peace Agwu is clear and straightforward. This is the opportune time for her to prove her innocence. She must provide the suspects, who are widely known to be her boys and thugs, to the security agents for prosecution. It is her responsibility to cooperate fully in this matter and help uncover the truth.

“We have absolute and implicit confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation and intervene effectively in this matter. We are certain that his efforts will unravel the mystery surrounding Mr Nworie’s attack by the suspected thugs loyal to Mrs Peace Agwu.

‘In a democratic society, the freedom of the press is a cornerstone. Journalists play a vital role in holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency. Any attack on a journalist is an attack on the very fabric of our society. We urge the Governor to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice and to send a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.

“We also call upon the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to actively support Mr Nworie and to advocate for a fair and just resolution of this case. The NUJ has a responsibility to protect its members and to ensure that the rights of journalists are safeguarded.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo will closely monitor the progress of this investigation and will not rest until justice is served. We believe that only through a thorough and impartial investigation can we restore the faith of the people in the rule of law and ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future”, Ohanaeze said.