The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has strongly condemned the reported gruesome killing of Ifeanyi Chukwu, his wife and their four children in Ibadan, Oyo State.
FOSAD in a statement jointly signed by its
President, Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, demanded “a thorough and transparent investigation, speedy prosecution of those found culpable, and decisive action by the Federal and State Governments to protect the lives and property of Igbo people across Nigeria.
“The reported killing of an entire family is an unspeakable tragedy and a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security and uphold the sanctity of human life. While the Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects who allegedly confessed to their involvement, FOSAD insists that the investigation must be pursued to its logical conclusion and justice must be served through a fair judicial process.
“We are deeply concerned that Igbo people increasingly appear to be targets of physical attacks, verbal hostility, ethnic profiling and discriminatory treatment in different parts of Nigeria. No Nigerian should live in fear, suffer intimidation or face violence because of their ethnic identity or place of origin.
“The growing sense of vulnerability among Igbo communities is alarming. Igbos are an integral part of Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economy, education, commerce and national development. They are entitled to the same security, dignity and constitutional protection as every other citizen. No ethnic group should be made to feel like an endangered species in its own country.
FOSAD therefore calls on the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to:
- Ensure a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of those responsible for the killing of the Chukwu family.
- Strengthen the protection of Igbo lives, businesses and property across Nigeria.
- Investigate and act against credible reports of ethnic violence, threats, intimidation and hate speech.
- Hold perpetrators accountable without ethnic, political or religious considerations.
- Promote national unity through public statements and policies that reject ethnic hatred and protect every Nigerian.”
The Forum further urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, community organisations and the media to condemn inflammatory rhetoric and discourage attitudes that portray any ethnic group as unwelcome or inferior.
FOSAD added, “Our demand is not for vengeance or preferential treatment. It is a demand for justice, equal protection under the law and the fundamental right of every Nigerian to live and work without fear.
“The Federal and State Governments must not allow the lives of Igbo people or any other Nigerian community to be treated as expendable. Justice for the Chukwu family must be accompanied by concrete measures to prevent further violence and restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to protect all citizens.
“FOSAD stands in solidarity with the bereaved relatives and calls for justice, accountability and an end to ethnic hostility in Nigeria.
Justice for the Chukwu family. Security for Igbos. Equal protection for every Nigerian.”
