By Izunna Okafor, Awka
What could be best described as anger, grief, and frustration spilled into the streets of Mgbakwu community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State over the weekend as youths staged a massive protest over the alleged killing of a young man, identified as Chinyeaka Ike (popularly known as Akidi) by operatives of a state-owned security outfit.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, barely one year after another young lady was similarly killed in the same community by the same security operatives, threw the community into mourning, with residents describing the development as painful and another addition to a growing list of similar occurrences in the state.
Although details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, sources from the community said the victim was standing by the roadside, engaged in a conversation with his wife, when a bullet allegedly discharged from the gun of the Udo Ga-Achị security operative who were on an enforcement with the State Anti-Toutism Squad Agency (SASA) struck him. He was said to have been rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later gave up.
This was corroborated by a video that has gone viral on social media showing the victim when he finally gave up in the hospital amidst tears and grief by his fellow youths who were seen decrying the loss, mourning and begging him to wake up, all to no avail.
The killing, according to the residents, was not only avoidable but has once again exposed what they describe as the dangers of unchecked use of firearms by some operatives.
As a way of demonstrating their grievances, on Friday morning, the simmering anger burst, as youths of the community, in their numbers, took over the streets, blocking the entrance to a popular market as they registered their grievances and demanded justice.
The protest later escalated into a procession, with the demonstrators riding motorcycles and carrying fresh leaves as they moved from Mgbakwu towards Awka, the state capital, in a convoy that stretched for kilometres.
Chants of protest echoed along the route as the youths decried what they termed repeated killings of innocent residents, while also calling on the state government to urgently intervene and restrain the excesses of security operatives.
With the body of the deceased, the protesters also reportedly moved towards the Government House in Awka, in a desperate bid to draw attention of the Governor to the reckless killing and their demand for justice
According to them, the latest incident has reopened their old wounds.
They recalled that about a year ago, another youth from the same community was reportedly killed in a similar manner by a stray bullet from an operative of the same outfit, which also sparked outrage at the time. The recurrence, they say, raises serious concerns about accountability and operational discipline of the security personnel.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the development has also reignited concerns about allegations of excesses by security outfits operating within the state. Over time, there have been repeated claims of uncontrolled shootings, brütalization, unlawful arrests and detention, among other forms of abuse, with the masses warning that failure to address these issues could erode public trust and trigger public unrest.
Surprisingly, however, days after the latest incident, and as at the time of filing this report, no official public statement has been made by the security outfit involved or the state government, thereby further fueling tension and speculation over the killing and what may be of it.
Meanwhile, the bereaved family is left to grapple with the loss of their only son, whose wife was said to be heavily pregnant for their first child.
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