By Chioma Nkama
Survivors of the Egbema massacre have pointed accusing fingers on some elements in Mmahu community of Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, even as police in Imo State command have gotten hold of the traditional ruler of Mmahu autonomous community, Eze Ikechukwu Augustine Iwuogu who was quizzed after arrest.
It was tears and sorrow in Mmahu a week ago when yet to be apprehended gunman attacked innocent citizens and killed seven persons in the process.
The attack which has attracted the attention of police that are investigating the matter saw to the gruesome murder of three members of the Mmahu Town Union executives including the chairman, secretary and PRO. Others include the younger brother of the councilor representing the community, in the Interim Management Committee of the LGA.
Still not at peace with the development, the survivors which comprises other members of the town union executives and remaining families of the victims thronged the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Secretarial on Port Harcourt Road, Owerri to disclose certain details connected to the matter.
Led by the IMC Councillor for Mmahu, Hon Camdius Okiro, the group alleged that since they came into office through the instrument of the state government, the town has not known peace which has led to rampant killing and wanton destruction of lives and property in the community, according to them are orchestrated by a section of the people not comfortable with government decision to appoint them.
Chief among those fingered to be the tormentor in-Chief of the community is a member of the Imo State House of Assembly (name withheld) and others accused to be involved in the act.
According to the survivors, a certain policeman, (name withheld) was also accused of working in concert with the suspected killers to undertake the heinous crime.
The councilor while pointing accusing fingers on the House member alleged that while the lawmaker was informed of the evil misdeed going on that unfateful night, he kept mute and refused to act until the killers had finished with the lives of their victims. Concerning the senior police officer, he was also accused of adopting indifference attitude when beckoned to come for rescue of those under attack until it got late after the gunmen’s rampage had ended.
The survivors further asked for quick intervention of security agencies for protection of lives and property as the gunmen have threatened to return to the community to finish what they started.
While asking for a through investigations on the matter, the survivors asked for immediate intervention of security agencies to ensure peace returns as the community has been deserted.
Meanwhile, the monarch incharge of the community was arrested before the close of last weekend. He was said to be quizzed by police in Owerri in connection with the murder. He was later released on personal recognition following intervention of a top traditional ruler in the state.
The traditional ruler was among those accused of fanning embers of discord that has led to killings in the community.
