Embittered members of the Joint National Association Of Persons with Disabilities, (JONAPWD) Anambra State Chapter, last Saturday 5th February, stormed Ekwulobia, country home of late Mr. Mmadụabuchi Nnofu, the blind man who was gruesomely murdered over a land issue barely a week ago.
Addressing the aggrieved members of JONAPWD gathered at Aguata Local Government Secratariate for an organized protest over the unfortunate death of Mr Abuchi Nnofu, Chairman of JONAPWD, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Ernest Okeke tried to console them while reiterating the main purpose of the protest – namely, to visit the Nnofu family and get first-hand information surrounding Abuchi’s sudden demise.
The protesters also visited the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia to know his stance on the ugly incident. Ugochukwu charged his members to comport themselves in an orderly manner despite their grievances.
Arriving the Nnofu compound in company of newsmen, JONAPWD members met Abuchi’s aged mother, who, on seeing her deceased son’s Association members wailed bitterly, insisting that it was Abuchi’s kindness and quest for unity in the family that took his life.
”My son Mmadụabuchi has endured a lot from this youngest brother of his that killed him”
“Severally he has continued to insult, abuse and threaten Abuchi’s life because of this very piece of land.
“I have taken this matter to the town’s vigilante and Ekwulobia police station several times but the security people seem reluctant on taking prompt action. See what it has resulted to?
The elderly woman also pointed accusing fingers at her late husband’s brother, one Mr Emmanuel Nnofu, who claimed, along with his first son, has been planning with her son to sell the piece of land. She also pleaded with the government of Anambra State to intervene in the speedy release of her son’s corpse so that he can be given a befitting burial.
Showing JONAPWD members round the scene of murder, Mr Amadi Nnofu who is a paternal cousin to Abuchi said the accused murdered his brother because Abuchi and his other two brothers kicked against the accused decision to sell his only landed inheritance given to him by their late father.
“Originally, the accused’s portion of land was at the back of the compound, but Abuchi, out of kindness and brotherly love agreed to give to Onyedika (the accused) part of his own portion in the front. Unfortunately, barely one month after Abuchi signed to the deed, Onyedika started scheming on how to sell his land(with inclusion of Abuchi added portion).
“None of our family members supported his greedy move and this led to an ongoing court case.”
“On 30th of January, the accused (Onyedika) attacked the deceased (Abuchi) with an axe (as suspected) when everyone has gone to church. He then proceeded to burn the corpse, especially the head beyond recognition.
“Luck ran out on him when he came back to pick his belt (as claimed). He was apprehended by our vigilante and handed over to the police. He has since been moved down to Awka”
The entire family of Nnofu condemned the action of the accused and wished never to set eyes on him alive again.
Ugochukwu called on the government of Anambra State and the Nigerian Police to do whatever they can to bring justice to their dead brother.
In his reactions, Comrade Okeke comforted Abuchi’s mother and the entire family of Nnofu, decreeing that no such ugly situation shall repeat itself.
He prayed for the soul of Abuchi and called on all relevant authorities involved in the case to bring perpetual sentence on the accused and deserved justice to Abuchi. According to him, JONAPWD will continue to follow the case to its tail end.
In his reaction the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia, HRH. Igwe Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, condemned the wicked action of the accused (Onyedika Nnofu), noting that such a thing has never been heard in Ekwulobia.
“I stand strongly with Persons with Disabilities in their cry for justice for Mmadụabuchi Nnofu, the Igwe declared”.
” I have had close contacts with the deceased several times and I always admire his drive in advocating for Persons with Disabilities irrespective of his own disability.
” It’s so unfortunate I never got to hear of this case until his death. It was my own vigilante that apprehended the accused and handed him to the police.”
Igwe also noted that he is in constant communication with the Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie (who incidentally hails from Ekwulobia) and promised that no stone will be left unturned in getting deserved justice for Mmaduabuchi Nnofu.