Simon Ekpa declares lockdown in Enugu over death of musician

Finland-based Pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa has declared a lockdown in Enugu State over the killing of a popular Oghene musician, known as Igbo Jah, by a police officer attached to the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command.

It was reported that Igbo Jah was shot by an operative of the Anti-Cult of Command on Friday. Igbo-Jah was reportedly shot on Friday evening when he was leaving the squad’s headquarters after a friendly visit.

The officer was said to have fired his rifle “without no reason ascertained,” hitting the singer.

The singer was reportedly rushed to Eastern Medical Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His body has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

Viral videos showed bullet holes on the singer’s sides and chest.

The Enugu State Police Command, in a statement, however, announced the arrest and detention of the police inspector.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Saturday morning that the incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the tactical squad’s headquarters when the victim was leaving the squad’s headquarters after a friendly visit.

Although Ndukwe said that the intention of the trigger-happy police officer was yet to be understood, the State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, had directed a full-scale investigation into the incident.

The killing had attracted wide outrage among youths in Enugu State, with the Obiago community taking to the streets on Saturday to protest against the alleged unjust killing.

In a now-viral video, protesters mounted roadblocks, burnt tyres, and carried placards demanding justice for Igbo-Jah.

Reacting to the murder of Igbo Jah, Ekpa said Enugu State will be on lockdown on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, to fish out his killers.

According to him, there should be an end to the incessant killings of Igbo in the state.

“The entire Enugu State will be under lockdown on Tuesday, 29 October 2024; this day will be used to fish out the killers of this innocent man. Enough is enough,” he said.