Protesters on Tuesday stormed Umuahia, the capital of Abia State protesting the death of an Air Force cadet Emmanuel Onyemereche. The protesters are mostly from Okwuta Ibeku community where Onyemereche hails from.
Cadet Onyemereche drowned in controversial circumstances last week at the Hotel Royal Damgrete swimming pool. The protesters demanded justice for their dead son.
Dressed in black, they sang mournful songs, with placards, “Justice for our son” and “Government must find our son’s killers.”
The protest ended at the Government House entrance. They want the intervention of Governor Alex Otti to uncover the truth surrounding the young cadet’s death.
Among the protesters were their leaders, Mr. Chibuzor Onwukamuche, the Public Relations Officer of Okwuta-Isieke Autonomous Community. Others include Prince James Onyeomereneche – the deceased family’s head, and Mrs. Happiness Ebere, the woman leader.
The speakers say it was incredulous a trained prospective Air Force Officer could drown in a regular swimming pool. They pointed accusing fingers at the deceased’s friend, Valentine Okpechi, in possible connivance with the hotel management.
Governor Assures Of Full Investigation
The governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander Macdonald Uba (Rtd.), met the protesters on his principal’s behalf. He expressed regret over the incident, assuring the protesters the state was behind them in their quest for justice.
“Whatever has happened has happened. We leave it to God but proper investigation will be carried out to ensure that if there were perpetrators of this act, it will be unraveled”, the governor’s aide said.
”This incident has caused other ripple effects thereafter. We will thoroughly investigate the matter, at the end of the day justice will be served. I know how you feel. I was once a cadet, and I know how it would have been for my village if something like this happened“.
Meanwhile, Dr. Steve Ihedigbo, the hotel owner, also wants justice for the cadet and his Food & Beverage Manager, James Etubi. Ihedigbo allege Etubi was tortured to death by soldiers at an Army base in Umuahia possibly to silence a witness to the actual events. He volunteered to sponsor autopsies on the actual cause of death of both deceased.
Army Reacts
The Army, responding to widespread condemnation promised immediate and full investigation, according to Army spokesman, Major Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu.
In a statement just released the army referred to an “alleged unprofessional conduct” of some of its personnel in the tragic death. He assured that ” and assure the public that “every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served“.
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