The Ekeukwu Killing, The Unwary Decision

Grief was on a very high tempo. It was indeed a moment of tears, uncontrollable, of wailing unwedged and of sorrow unmollified.

That was the situation at the scene of the murderous clampdown on aggrieved protesters who were contesting the action of the Imo state government in demolishing the popular Ekeukwu market situated at the heart of Owerri, the state capital, August 26th.

The 10years old killed

It is indeed true, and to be fair to the government, that prior notices have been given in view of the relocation cum demolition. But then, the act that brewed the brawl was far inane and too sinister.

For obvious reasons, the government had dispatched security operatives to hound down on resistance against its long standing decision. But baring all conscionable measures, it was a was a decision hastily taken and without caution to descend on armless, helpless citizens with naked brazenness of live ammunitions.

I heard a ten years old boy was also affected by that harsh, callous exertion. That heart wrenching news was itself a mistaken death caused by stray bullet, but which the perpetrators, to which includes the government and the security forces will not deny culpability of the sad death.

They are responsible, and very well because of their irrational and insensitive decision to shoot at harmless protesting civilians, who were merely exercising their rights.

It is a bad omen to Imo state that three citizens were murdered by those who should protect them. It is an omen that the government should shamefully bear.

The regret of action which this shaking realization evokes should imbue in the perpetrators of this dastardly act the resolve to act with conscience in exercising the responsibility of government. It should be a call not to have a repeat of the diabolical ejection.