By Eze Victor, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi Welfare Central Executive has categorically rejected proposals for an out-of-court settlement in the murder case of Fabian Ugo, a young man from Ndioke Nduebor Village, Okpuitumo, in Ebonyi State, who was allegedly killed by operatives of Operation Udo-Gachi in Anambra State.
Ugo’s death, which occurred earlier in June, has ignited widespread grief and condemnation across the Ebonyi community in Anambra and beyond. The killing is being described not merely as an isolated act of brutality, but as part of a disturbing trend of violence targeting Ebonyians residing outside their home state.
A high-stakes intervention meeting convened on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Anambra brought together key stakeholders: Fabian Ugo’s father and elder brother; Chief Moses Ogbonna, President General of Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi in Anambra; the CEO of Mosfrank International Company Ltd; legal representatives from the Ugo family and the broader Ebonyi community; and senior representatives of Operation Udo-Gachi—the paramilitary security unit whose agents have been linked to the killing.
At the meeting, Operation Udo-Gachi officials reportedly acknowledged that some of their operatives were involved in the incident. They appealed for an out-of-court resolution, citing the desire to avoid a prolonged legal battle.
That proposal was swiftly and emphatically rejected by Ebonyi leaders.
“This Must Not Be Buried”: Ebonyi Vows Legal Action
A spokesperson for the Ebonyi Welfare Central Executive declared the community’s unified stance: “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law. This is not the first time Ebonyi blood has been spilled and swept under the carpet. If we don’t act decisively now, it won’t be the last.”
The group referenced similar unresolved cases in the past, pointing to what they described as a “pattern of impunity” in the treatment of Ebonyians living in other parts of Nigeria.
Two officers implicated in Ugo’s murder are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned soon by the Anambra State Police Command. The Ebonyi Welfare Central Executive confirmed that legal proceedings are being aggressively pursued and vowed that there would be no compromises or shortcuts in the fight for justice.
Discussions at the meeting also widened to include the broader security and welfare concerns of Ebonyians living outside their state, especially in Anambra. While some of the proposed strategies remain confidential, leaders assured the public that long-term initiatives are in motion to prevent further violence and discrimination against their people.
Apostle Igbudu Chukwuemeka Nweze, speaking on behalf of the Executive, urged Ebonyians to remain calm but firm in their demand for justice:
“This is not a call for retaliation—it is a call for justice. Justice through lawful means, with God on our side. No Ebonyi life is expendable, and we will not rest until justice is delivered.”
As the legal process unfolds, the Ebonyi Welfare Central Executive has called on all Nigerians, civil society, and human rights advocates to monitor the case closely. They insisted that how this case is handled will serve as a critical test for the Nigerian justice system and its ability to protect minority communities across state lines.
“All eyes are watching. This case must not end in silence. It must end in justice