The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has strongly condemned the reported killing of Ms. Khadijat Yahaya, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.
The group expressed its concern over the incident and called for an inquiry into the role of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the State, emphasizing the importance of pursuing justice without reservation.
Khadijat tragically lost her life following a clash between supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and those of the APC in Kotonkarfe on September 29th.
This incident has raised tensions in Kogi State in the lead-up to the November governorship election.
In a statement issued by the National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the Igbo organization urged security agencies to ensure that all individuals responsible for the murder of the APC member are apprehended and held accountable.
Ohanaeze emphasized that no one should be considered above the law and that the police must demonstrate their commitment to valuing every life in the country.
Okwu stated, “This is necessary to instill confidence in the masses ahead of the polls. Taking a life due to political differences is condemned in the strongest terms possible. If such acts are not punished, they will undermine the preparations for the upcoming elections and embolden those involved to commit more heinous crimes.”
The group called on the police to not only arrest those implicated in the attack leading to the death of the innocent woman but also ensure their diligent prosecution in accordance with the law.
Regarding allegations that the SDP gubernatorial candidate in the State was invited for questioning by the police but did not honor the invitation, Ohanaeze questioned whether anyone should be considered above the law.
The organization emphasized that justice must be served to restore faith in the system, and it urged all political actors in Kogi State to refrain from viewing their ambitions as matters of life and death. They cautioned politicians against inciting their supporters to attack and harm their opponents, regardless of political affiliation.