Grief and outrage swept through Federal Government College (FGC), Okposi-Okwu. Over the weekend families, students and community members staged a peaceful protest over the death of Ebuka Chukwu, an SS2 student whose body was later found in a stream.
Autopsy Raises Questions
Carrying placards that read “Who killed Ebuka?”, “Evil people are running FGC Okposi,” and “IGP, stop the killing and bring justice,” the protesters demanded immediate government intervention.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Collins Agwu expressed sadness and outrage. He cited an autopsy result indicating Ebuka was killed before being thrown into a stream to cover up the crime. Agwu also questioned why a staff member of the institution allegedly directed Ebuka and other students to confront hoodlums.
“We want justice to prevail, and those behind Ebuka’s death to be unmasked. The school management is playing politics with this incident,” Agwu said.
Claims of Maltreatment
Another community native, Chiadikaobi Obasi, lamented what he described as the maltreatment of indigenous students and staff by the school management. He warned that the peaceful Okposi-Okwu community should not be pushed to the wall.
School and Police Respond
The Vice Principal, Mr. Ojima O. Emmanuel, said he was shocked by the death and assured protesters that the school would cooperate fully to uncover the circumstances surrounding Ebuka’s demise.
Ebonyi Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed that the matter is under investigation. Consequently, that three persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to sources, the incident occurred on July 27th, when a staff member of the college allegedly sent students, including Ebuka, to confront hoodlums. The community believes that the tragedy is ultimately linked to this wrong move.