The Bogghom Community of Kanam local government area of Plateau State has raised an alarm over the gruesome murder of seven of its youths by gunmen in Awka, Anambra State.
The devastating attack which claimed the lives of the youths occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in the Anambra State’s capital, has drawn public outcry and outrage as many prominent Nigerians have decried its brutality with some claiming ethnic and religious targeting.
The incident reportedly took place around 9:15 a.m. at Ifite, near Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Witness Garden on Ifite-Amansea Road.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the attack, however debunked any ethnic colouration, saying the gunmen were on a mission to kidnap a victim but in a bid to escape due to a police response team dispatched to the scene, decided to shoot their way out and in the process, killed the victims.
In a statement on Friday, SP Ikenga, further debunked the speculation that the attack and the killing was targeted at a particular ethnic and religious group based on the majority of the victims.
“Anambra State Police command today 25/10/2024 intercepted a protest video on the unfortunate incident that happened at Ifite Awka yesterday 24/10/2024 that recorded the murder of five persons, and three others seriously injured and wishes to state that it is not targeted to any ethnic or religious group,” the police spokesman said.
“To set the records straight, preliminary information reveals that the armed men started shooting sporadically in an attempt to escape when the police were alerted of their evil plan in the area,” Ikenga added.
However, in a statement by the youth wing of the Bogghom Development Association (BDA), the group condemned the killing of their youths and called for a thorough investigation to apprehend those behind it.
“The umbrella body of Bogghom Youths both at home and in the diaspora received the devastating news of the gruesome murder of seven (7) patriotic sons in Awka the capital city of Anambra State by unknown gunmen who were out to fend for themselves through legitimate hustle,” the statement signed by the National President of the BDA,
Hon. Sadiq Kwaltom, said.
“We condemned this barbaric act in strong terms by this militia, as no Nigerian deserved to be killed within the shores of his country in the course of his hustle, thus justice should be served.
“Bogghom Youth wing calls on the Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang, Senator representing Plateau Central, Sen. Diket Plang, member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi as well as local elected leaders to rise up and seek justice for our seven slain brothers.
“As our elected leaders who are sworn to defend and protect us, we urge you all to speak in unison so the perparators will be brought to book.
“Our condolences goes to the government of Plateau State, the people of Kanam, the Bogghom nation as well as the immediate family for this irreparable loss.
“We pray for the souls of the faithfuls departed to rest in peace and for God Almighty to guide and protect the lives of our brother’s out there as they strive hard to help in nations building.”
