A prominent human rights organization has issued a strong condemnation and a call for immediate action following the brutal murder of a community youth leader in Abia State. The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) is demanding justice and accountability for the killing of Igwe Akuma Akwu from Okon, Aku-Ohafia.
Repeated Warnings Ignored, Leading to Tragedy
In a statement released on Sunday night, January 4, 2026, and made available to the press, FENRAD's Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, expressed profound regret over the incident. The group revealed that before his death, the deceased had consistently raised alarms about threats to his life, property, and family. He had publicly called for protection and intervention from the relevant authorities.
"These warnings, which were widely documented, represented clear early warning signals that unfortunately did not receive the urgent and decisive response required of security institutions," the statement noted. FENRAD described the killing as a grave violation of the fundamental right to life and a disturbing sign of the growing culture of violence and impunity in Nigeria.
A Systemic Failure in Citizen Protection
The rights watchdog argued that this tragic event highlights a systemic failure in protecting citizens, especially those who voice legitimate security concerns. When reported threats are ignored, public trust in state institutions erodes, and perpetrators are emboldened to commit heinous acts that could otherwise be prevented.
The organization also voiced alarm over an increasing pattern of violent attacks and intolerance within public and civic spaces. It warned that such acts, when left unaddressed, weaken the rule of law and further damage institutional credibility.
FENRAD's Calls for Immediate Action
In line with its mandate to promote human rights and accountability, FENRAD outlined specific demands:
- An immediate, thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the killing by relevant security agencies.
- The arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the crime, without fear or favour.
- A comprehensive review of security response mechanisms to reported threats and early warning signals to prevent similar tragedies.
- Institutional accountability for any lapses or negligence that may have contributed to the failure to protect the deceased.
Standing in solidarity with the victim's family and the Ohafia community, Comrade Nwafor stressed that justice for Igwe Akuma Akwu is not optional. He called it a constitutional and moral imperative, warning that failure to ensure accountability would reinforce the dangerous perception that violence carries no consequences in Nigeria.
