By Adadainfo
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has called on the federal government to abolish the Ebubeagu Security Network in Ebonyi State.
The group claimed that Gov Dave Umahi is using the security network to commit human rights violations.
“If nothing is done to disband the security outfit, the state would experience inexplicable bloodbath that would be perpetrated by the happy-trigger group,” the national president of the group, Comrd Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, told newsmen in Abakaliki on Friday.
Describing Ebubeagu as a ‘militia group’, Igboayaka said, “Ohanaeze Youth observed that around January/February 2022, over 20 youth were killed at Akaeze, and their dead bodies were dumped at Ivo river in Ivo local government.
“Over 30 youths from Akaeze who dared to protest the intimidating act of Ebubeagu were arrested and dumped at Ebonyi State prison. This is a typical evidence that democratic government has left Ebonyi State.
“More than 70 Akaeze youths have fled their land due to incessant killings and arrest by Ebubeagu militias.
“Earlier, around March 2, 2022, the national youth president of Akaeze Youth Forum, Sunday Ajaero, was kidnapped from Onitsha.
“Ebubeagu is now a terror to villagers and a tool of harassment, torture and intimidation against any perceived political enemy of Governor Umahi.
“The activities of Ebubeagu is becoming worrisome and unbearable. For instance, we gathered that on 8 February 2023, at Ohaozara, about six people were shot, one youth was shot on the chest, with a teenager; one pregnant woman and one military personnel received a gunshot from Ebubeagu.”
Comrade Igboayaka urged the inspector general of police and all other heads of various security agencies ‘to act fast and prevent the looming blood bath that might strike during the elections if Ebubeagu continues operation in the state’.
He regretted that the security outfit ‘is merely set up to serve the interest of the governor’.
He added, “The National Security Adviser, National Director of State Security Service, Inspector General of Police must as a matter of urgency understand that Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State is a time bomb waiting to blow.
“It is, therefore, very necessary at this time to banish Ebubeagu in Ebonyi before 2023 general elections, otherwise heads will roll.”
Efforts are being made to get the reaction of the information commissioner of Ebonyi State over this matter.
