Otti commiserates with family of motorcyclist killed by soldier in Abia

 

BY OUR EDITOR

The 2019 Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti, has condemned the gruesome murder of a commercial motorcyclist, Chimaobi Nwaogu Uzoukwa, by a soldier, for allegedly not parting with N100.

He also commiserated with the family of the deceased, promising to support them in their quest to ensure justice was done in honour of his memory.

Otti’s condolence message was delivered by a delegation of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Abia State, led by chairman, Hon. Nkem Okoro, who paid a condolence visit to the Uzoukwa family at Ezido Na Ife, Amaise Umuokereke-Ngwa, Obingwa, on Friday.

Describing the incident as barbaric, Hon. Okoro expressed displeasure with rate of extra-judicial killing by security agents who are saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property in Abia State.

“It is unfortunate that those who are constitutionally armed with guns to protect us are turning around to kill innocent citizens. It is barbaric and painful given the manner this innocent young man was murdered by a trigger-happy soldier just because of N100,” he lamented.

He added: “The illegal extortion of motorists by security agents must stop henceforth, in Abia. The governor and government of Abia State must act to protect lives and property. It is saddening to hear that the life of this young man who incidentally is from the governor’s local government was terminated under this sad circumstance. It is really painful.

“Our leader, Dr. Alex Otti, is very sad over this incident and will support every step taken by this community to ensure that justice prevails.”

The party chieftain also enjoined the state government to rise to the occasion by ensuring that security agents in the state operate within the rules of engagement.

Hon. Okoro also delivered an envelope of an undisclosed amount of money to the widow and family of the deceased on behalf of Dr. Otti and Abia APGA, with a promise of further assistance during the burial.

Responding on behalf of the family, Hon. Ebere Uzoukwa, who incidentally is the Publicity Secretary of APGA, Abia State, thanked Dr. Otti and the state party leadership for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.

He described the late Chimaobi, popularly called Eze, as a peace-loving and diligent young man who was passionate with his job as a commercial motorcyclist.

Uzoukwa further disclosed that his family and community have vowed to ensure that the killer-soldier whose name he gave as Corporal Ajayi, must be made to face the full weight of the law.

Corporal Ajayi, one of the soldiers stationed at Ohanze military checkpoint, was said to have pursued Chimaobi to his village, last Wednesday, where he allegedly shot him for not parting with the sum of N100 at the checkpoint.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has announced that it has arrested and currently detaining Corporal Ajayi, over the alleged killing of Chimaobi.

In a statement Saturday in Enugu, the deputy director of Army public relations, 82 Division, Col. Aliyu Yusuf, said the Army had commenced investigation on the killing.