The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised alarm over what it describes as extrajudicial killings carried out by the Anambra State government’s security outfit, Agunechemba. In a statement issued on Wednesday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful accused the militia of executing innocent youths in Owerre Ezukala, a community located in the Orumba Local Government Area of the state. This comes at a time of rising tensions in the region, just months ahead of Anambra’s gubernatorial elections in November 2025.
Allegations of Brutality in Owerre Ezukala
Powerful’s statement detailed that Agunechemba forces, created by Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, were responsible for the death of three individuals, including two workers from Imo State, who had been working on a building project in Owerre Ezukala. The victims were reportedly labeled as “unknown gunmen” by the militia, despite the claims that they were innocent civilians.
“We are appalled by the actions of Agunechemba. The community in Owerre Ezukala, including those who witnessed the killings, have attested that these individuals were not criminals but innocent workers. This execution-style killing of innocent youths in Anambra must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Powerful stated.
The victims, identified as Malachy Chimaobi Iwuanyanwu and Odinkalu Chinonso from Imo State, and Kosisochukwu from Isuofia, were allegedly rounded up during a raid aimed at tackling criminal activity in the area. They were killed under the assumption that they were involved in the region’s increasing rate of kidnappings and ritual killings. However, local community members maintain that the three men were simply construction workers.
Political Motives Behind Agunechemba’s Formation?
The accusations against Agunechemba come amid growing concerns that the militia’s primary function is not only to combat crime but to suppress political opposition ahead of the 2025 elections. IPOB has long criticized Governor Soludo’s policies, accusing him of using the militia to target his political adversaries in the state.
Powerful directly linked the creation of Agunechemba to the governor’s political ambitions. “Everyone in Anambra State knows that the formation of this militia was a strategic move to undermine political opponents, particularly ahead of the November election. It is an open secret,” he said.
Governor Soludo has yet to respond publicly to these allegations. However, his administration has repeatedly insisted that Agunechemba’s role is focused on eliminating the rampant criminality plaguing Anambra, especially in rural areas.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
IPOB has issued a stark warning to the Soludo administration. Powerful stated that while IPOB is not opposed to genuine efforts to eradicate criminality in the state, it will not sit idly by as innocent lives are lost. “IPOB will not tolerate the indiscriminate killing of innocent youths under the guise of fighting crime. The governor’s militia must be held accountable,” he declared.
In addition to criticizing the execution of innocent civilians, IPOB called for an independent investigation into the killings and demanded justice for the families of the victims. “Governor Soludo must visit the families of those murdered by his militia, offer them compensation, and issue a public apology,” Powerful insisted. He also pointed out that this is not the first time that members of Agunechemba have been accused of extrajudicial killings.
The Rise of Agunechemba: From Ebubeagu to a Controversial Militia
Agunechemba, which was initially conceived as a state security outfit to combat criminality, is reportedly composed of former members of the controversial Ebubeagu militia. Following allegations of human rights abuses by Ebubeagu operatives, Soludo’s government rebranded the outfit and gave it a new name, though critics contend that Agunechemba continues to engage in similar tactics of intimidation and violence.
Mr. Kenneth Emeakayi, reportedly a former Ebubeagu operative, is believed to be leading the group. IPOB has accused him of overseeing the atrocities committed by the militia. “Mr. Emeakayi must understand that IPOB is watching. We will not allow him or any of his men to get away with this carnage,” Powerful warned.
Tensions Between Anambra and Imo States
The killings have raised tensions not only within Anambra but also between Anambra and its neighboring state, Imo. The Imo State government has condemned the deaths of its citizens, with many questioning the legitimacy of Agunechemba’s operations. There are concerns that the security outfit’s actions may spark further inter-state conflict, particularly given the widespread mistrust of the militia’s activities.
Local leaders in the Owerre Ezukala community have expressed their outrage. “We demand justice for the deaths of these young men. They were not criminals; they were hard-working people,” one community leader stated. “It is unacceptable for anyone to be killed and labeled an ‘unknown gunman’ without proper investigation.”
IPOB’s Stand on the Anambra Security Crisis
Despite the fierce criticism of Agunechemba, IPOB has maintained that it does not oppose all efforts to secure the state. The group’s spokesperson emphasized that IPOB supports “every genuine effort to rid the state of criminals, such as kidnappers, cultists, and terrorists.”
However, IPOB has been clear that its opposition is not only to Agunechemba’s methods but also to the possibility of IPOB members being unfairly targeted. “IPOB members are not criminals. We are not violent. We are unarmed civilians striving for the self-determination of Biafra. The Anambra government must not use Agunechemba as a tool of oppression against innocent Igbo youths,” Powerful asserted.
Security Concerns and Calls for Unity
As Anambra continues to grapple with the challenges of insecurity, IPOB has called on both the state government and local communities to unite in their fight against criminality without resorting to extrajudicial violence. Powerful urged the Anambra government to prioritize the protection of its citizens’ rights and prevent a repeat of past abuses.
“The people of Anambra deserve peace, security, and justice,” he said. “We will not let the memory of these brutal killings fade. Justice must prevail for the families of the victims.”
As tensions rise, both the state and federal governments will need to address the growing fears among citizens that political and security-related violence may spiral out of control ahead of the state’s upcoming elections. Whether Soludo’s Agunechemba can regain public trust will depend largely on the administration’s response to these serious allegations.
In the meantime, the people of Anambra, particularly the residents of Owerre Ezukala, continue to demand accountability for the deaths of three innocent workers, whose only crime was their labor and their presence in a community caught in the crossfire of a larger security crisis.
