UNIEC WORLDWIDE COMMENDS OHANAEZE NDIGBO OYO STATE CHAPTER, CALLS FOR JUSTICE, TRUTH AND INTER-ETHNIC HARMONY. Justice Without Prejudice • Peace Without Division.

UNIEC WORLDWIDE COMMENDS OHANAEZE NDIGBO OYO STATE CHAPTER, CALLS FOR JUSTICE AND INTER-ETHNIC HARMONY

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT

ENUGU, NIGERIA — 18 OCTOBER 2026

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has noted the fact-finding report submitted by Chief Umeh Okechukwu Nwabunike, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, concerning the tragic murder of six family members at Oloba village, Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State.

UNIEC commends the delegation for visiting the community, engaging residents, consulting security agencies and the Oyo State Police Command, and seeking to establish the victims’ identities and circumstances. Responsible fact-finding is essential when a grave crime risks being misrepresented along ethnic lines.

1. CRIME MUST NOT BE GIVEN AN ETHNIC IDENTITY WITHOUT EVIDENCE

The report reinforces a fundamental principle: criminal responsibility must be determined by evidence, not ethnicity, religion or collective suspicion.

Suspected individuals must be held accountable only where credible evidence establishes their involvement. No ethnic community should be blamed for the alleged actions of particular persons.

If confirmed through investigation and judicial proceedings, the incident should be treated as a criminal matter, not an ethnic confrontation. Conclusions about motive, responsibility and the circumstances of the deaths must remain subject to verified evidence and the determination of competent authorities.

An Igbo proverb teaches: “Eziokwu bụ ndụ”—truth is life. Truth must guide our words and actions, especially when innocent lives have been lost.

2. JUSTICE THROUGH DUE PROCESS

UNIEC welcomes the reported engagement with the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the assurance that the case would proceed through appropriate legal channels.

The Council urges the authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation, preserve evidence, protect witnesses and ensure fair hearings in accordance with the law. The presumption of innocence must be respected until guilt is established by a competent court.

The victims’ families deserve truthful information, compassionate treatment and appropriate support throughout the investigation and judicial process.

3. HUMAN DIGNITY TRANSCENDS ETHNIC BOUNDARIES

The report describes a man who reportedly lived and farmed peacefully in his host community, worked hard to support his family and planned to build a better home. His story reminds us that behind every tragedy are human lives, family relationships and aspirations deserving protection.

The reported Igbo and Yoruba connections should strengthen solidarity, not create suspicion. When families from different ethnic backgrounds suffer tragedy, compassion and cooperation must prevail.

An Igbo proverb declares: “Egbe bere, ugo bere; nke si ibe ya ebena, nku kwaa ya.” Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch. Every community deserves dignity, security and freedom from fear.

4. UNIEC WORLDWIDE’S RECOMMENDATIONS

UNIEC calls for:

1. Credible investigation and prosecution wherever sufficient evidence supports charges. 2. Continued cooperation among Ohanaeze Ndigbo, victims’ relatives, community leaders and law-enforcement agencies. 3. Efforts to identify and contact the victims’ families and safeguard their belongings. 4. Responsible public communication that rejects rumours, inflammatory narratives and ethnic profiling. 5. Appropriate support for surviving relatives and affected children.

Burial arrangements should respect the families’ wishes, applicable law and relevant cultural considerations.

5. THE WISDOM OF ELDER STATESMANSHIP

An elder does not pour fuel on a fire because its flames are frightening. An elder seeks the cause, protects the vulnerable and helps restore peace.

UNIEC’s position is clear: justice must be pursued without prejudice, truth must prevail over rumour, and criminality must never justify ethnic hostility.

We commend responsible leadership and urge all concerned to allow investigators and the courts to establish the facts. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, and may their families find strength, comfort and justice.

ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • MANY VOICES • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY.

Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven.

Signed: His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

Published by: NDIGBO WORLDWIDE MEDIA.COM Informing Today, Documenting History, Inspiring Tomorrow.