On Sunday morning, the Enugu State Government visited the family of the slain Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, known popularly as IgboJah, in Ogui Nike Enugu, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice is served.
The delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, along with other senior officials, emphasized the value of human life in the state, declaring that the killing of any Enugu citizen or resident would not be tolerated.
This condolence visit followed the tragic shooting of the popular Ogene musician after his visit to the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad facility, which the police referred to as a friendly engagement on Friday.
Governor Mbah had expressed his condolences to Igbo-Jah’s family and fans via social media on Saturday, announcing that a full investigation into the artist’s untimely death had been ordered.
While addressing the elders of the family and the young children of the deceased, Prof. Onyia stated, “We have come on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, to express our heartfelt condolences on the brutal loss of your son, your brother, and our brother. The governor has sent us to share in your profound grief and to assure you that we will ensure justice is served.”
“The state government will work with this family every step of the way because enough is enough. Every single life in Enugu counts, and for us to wake up to such a sad news is something that we will never take lightly.
“We appreciate the emotions because we see what is going on outside, but we want to importantly commend the eldest in the family and the rest of the family for how they have received us well as a government delegation. You have also shown that maturity in working with us.
“To the children, His Excellency is saying take heart. We will ensure that justice is served. That is one thing we can assure the family; we cannot sit down and fold our hands and allow such an incident to go without consequence.
“We are really sorry about your loss, our loss. May God strengthen and bless this family as we go through these difficult times,” the SSG said.
Responding, the family representative and IgboJah’s elder brother, Chief Joseph Mba, said that Governor Mbah’s dispositions since the unfortunate incident underscored the determination to ensure that justice is done.
“I want to appreciate our governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for the way he has responded to this incident and for his determination to ensure that justice prevails.
“We are also counting on government’s help towards the welfare and education of his children and family – two boys, one girl, and of course, his wife.
“But importantly, we want to thank the governor from the bottom of our hearts for the way he has shown human feeling and leadership on this matter. We have seen his determination to do things differently,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police had on Saturday announced the arrest of the suspected killer cop, Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph and also released his photographs, assuring that “he will be made to face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of the investigation.”
