NewsEbonyi Govt Explains How Priest Aided, Abated Killings In Effium

Ebonyi Govt Explains How Priest Aided, Abated Killings In Effium

Ask ZiVA 728x90 Ads
April 27, (THEWILL) – The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Uchenna Orji, has opened up on the alleged complicity and involvement of Reverend Father Timothy Ngwuta, in the ongoing intra-communual war between the indigenous people of Effium and the Ezza settlers in Effium autonomous community in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.
A press statement signed by Barrister Uchenna Orji titled, ‘LEAVE GOVERNOR UMAHI OUT OF THE DISTRESS OF REV FR TIMOTHY NGWUTA’, disclosed that the Governor, His Excellency Engr.Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE FNATE, has no hands whatsoever on the matter, as it is purely a serious security concern handled by the community and the security operatives.
According to Orji, the security report made available to government, indicates that Rev. Fr Timothy Ngwuta was arrested by the surveillant youths and vigilante team of Nworie village in the warring community when he came in the company of two other suspects on 11th December, 2021, to recover a vehicle suspected to have been used to convey some of the armed warriors, suspected to have unleashed attack on the security operatives who were in search of the bodies of the 5 NELAN Engineers allegedly killed by kingpins of the warriors.
The press release said, “Our attention has been drawn to series of social media posts and unguided print conversations shared by different uninformed groups, over the criminal charge faced by Rev Fr. Timothy on his alleged complicity in aiding and abating war and killings in Effium/Ezza Effium Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area. We have refrained from joining issues because of our respect for the institution he belongs.
“While we view it unfortunate that the Rev Father could be involved in a suspicious conduct that led to his detention and prosecution by the Police, we wish to place on record that the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, has no hands whatsoever in the matter, as it is purely a serious security concern handled by the community and the security operatives.
“Security report further revealed that the said Rev. Father, is a native of Inikiri Umuezokaoha Ezza Effium, a section of the warring community, where the suspected attack occurred and it is also on record that he confirmed in his statements to the Police that he went to Nworie village to recover the car suspected to have been used by the armed warriors to carry out the attack that led to the death of two security operatives and others injured during security operations at Nwanenwo forest on the 28th day of November,2021.
“It would be recalled that 5 NELAN Engineers, who where on duty visit to the State Ring Road Project enroute Nwanenwo in Ezza Effium axis, fell prey to the attack of the armed tribal warriors on the 3rd of November, 2021 and the State Government promptly directed security agencies to declare manhunt on the perpetrators.
“The essence of this narrative is to underscore the gravity of the offence that was linked to the Rev Father and to state that justice has limitless jurisdiction and applies to all persons no matter their class or faith. This situation does not call for sensational or sentimental publications or conversations, it calls for sober reflection on the lives that have been wasted and properties lost to these needless conspiracies against humanity in Effium/ Ezza Effium Community; Governor Umahi has unbridled love for the servants of God no matter their faith and he has deep respect for and shared collaborations with the Catholic community.
“The Governor deserves our commendation for his determination that inspired the security operations that uncovered the killers of the 5 innocent NELAN Engineers despite oppressive blackmail from mischievous elements.
“We therefore advise those who take pleasure in politicising the unfortunate misunderstanding between the two tribes of Effium/ Ezza Effium community for clannish gratifications to please allow security agencies to do their work. Many people suspected to be behind the crime in Effium/ Ezza Effium are already facing trial and that of Rev Fr. Timothy Ngwuta cannot be an exception. The offfence of conspiracy to promote communal war is viewed seriously by the Laws of Ebonyi State and cannot be sacrificed at the altar of religion. More so, as we have not been told that Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta is infallible.
“The public is assured that justice is available not only to the victims, but also to the accused and the society and we have unwavering confidence that justice will be done on the matter no matter whose ox is gored or whose spade is in the garden”, Orji concluded.
It would be recalled that the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, had accused the Ebonyi State government of using executive order to stop the release of the Priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta, who was remanded in a federal correctional Centre for alleged complicity in the protracted Effium/Ezza Effium communal war.
The Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Matthew Opoke, had earlier said there was ‘Executive Order’ by the State government, which has made it impossible to secure the release of the Priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta.
“We urge the security forces to do a thorough investigation and ensure that the Priest of God, who has, in conscience, stated before his Bishop, that the accusations are entirely false, is not punished for offences he knows nothing about.
“Efforts to secure his release on bail have been hampered by the Executive Order preventing any Court in the State from entertaining matters relating to the Effium crisis. Recently the motion for bail was refused on the 12th of April, 2022. We implore all people of goodwill to join us in praying to God to touch those responsible for the incarceration of Fr. Timothy to listen to the voice of the right conscience”, Rev. Fr. Opoke said.
Rev. Fr Ngwuta was arrested by the Police on 11th December 2021 and detained for twelve days and was released on bail as a result of ill health arising from his alleged torture by security agents.
He was rearrested on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, arraigned on 11th March 2021, for alleged kidnapping and murder and remanded at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre. Since then, he has been in detention at the Correctional Centre.

About the Author

Homepage | Recent Posts

Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.

Sunday Ogbuhttps://thewillnews.com
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.

More like this
Related

Stage Set For Sinner, Medvedev For Rematch At Miami Masters

March 28, (THEWILL) - Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev...

NERC Spots Error In Removal Of Tinuade Sanda As EKEDC MD/CEO, Other Management Staff, Clarifies Directive

March 28, (THEWILL) - The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission...