Emene Killings: Chidoka Calls For Panel Of Inquiry

Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Friday, called for a panel of inquiry into the brawl between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and security operatives at Emene in Enugu on August 23, 2020.

THE WHISTLER had reported that two operatives of the Department of State Security died in the incident.

The spokesperson of the IPOB, Mr Emma Powerful, also claimed that ’21 members’ of the IPOB were killed, a statement our correspondent could not confirm.

Chidoka, in a statement made available to THE WHISTLER in Awka, said, “In my interaction with the security agencies, facts emerged that the State Department lost two officers and automatic rifles during the fracas while two members of the IPOB were killed and about five injured. As at the time of our conversation, five members of the IPOB were in the police custody. I requested the police to grant them bail or charge them to court.

“In my discussion with IPOB lawyers, it emerged that the members were meeting peacefully, and did not constitute any threat to public peace when some security agents infiltrated their meeting leading to the fracas.”

While condoling with families that lost members during the fracas, Chidoka called on the government of Enugu State to institute a commission of inquiry to ascertain the truth around the incident that led to the death of unarmed civilians and security agents.

According to him, “Security agencies must continue to respect fundamental rights of peaceful assembly in a democracy and be guided by rules of engagement in dealing with unarmed civilians. Use of force in delicate situations is a by-product of the militarization of our society and must be avoided.

“It is also important that the identities of those who killed the security agents and took their guns be ascertained to be sure that criminal elements did not cash in on the mayhem. I condemn the use of violence by any group, whether security agents or private groups. I will continue to engage with all sides for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I commend current efforts to de-escalate the tension. IPOB representatives assure me that they remain a non-violent organization.”