Youths of Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Council of Delta State, yesterday, protested the killing of a young farmer, Ifeanyi Michael Isebor, by suspected herdsmen.
The youths, who came out in large numbers, carried placards with different inscriptions, along the Asaba/Benin Expressway and the Onicha-Ugbo/Abuja Expressway, demanding a thorough investigation into the killing.
Addressing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Issele-Uku, who came to calm them, the youths described the deceased as one of the biggest and most committed farmers in the area.
Isebor was reportedly shot in his farm and left in a pool of his blood, even as the police revealed that they have begun an investigation into the matter.
One of the youths and a former aide to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on students’ affairs, Francis Osedume, urged the police to ensure justice is served.
He said: “The killing of this young man should not be swept under the carpet.
He was a great farmer and one of the young people in this town who are into large-scale farming. He cultivates onions, tomatoes and other food produce. We will not relent until those who killed him in the bush are fished out.”
While pacifying the protesters, Chukwudi Izegbua, a community leader and former top aide to Okowa, wrote: “Dear Onicha-Ugbo youths, I am deeply impressed by the peaceful protest you organised in response to the gruesome murder of Ifeanyi Isebor from Ushi Quarters, Ishiekpe Village.”
“Your demonstration exemplifies the essence of democratic expression. You exhibited a commendable level of civility, and your message was conveyed with utmost clarity.
“My cousin, the late Ifeanyi Isebor, resided briefly with my mother before relocating to Lagos to live with my younger sister. He was a driven and industrious young man, poised to become one of the biggest farmers in Onicha-Ugbo before his untimely demise. The manner of his death was not only cruel and barbaric but also lamentable.
“Let us continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement authorities to ensure that those responsible for his tragic end are unravelled and brought to justice. I commend your courage and the spirit of solidarity you have demonstrated. I am proud of each one of you.”
