Governor David Umahi has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged death of one Obinna Igwe, a native of Ndufu Echara, Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased allegedly died during a clash between security agents and youth of the community during a football match. The football match which was between Ndufu Alike and Ndufu Echara Teams was the final of a Unity Cup competition organised by the Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, John Nnabo, at Urban Secondary School, Ndufu Echara.
Trouble started when the match referee issued a red card to an Ndufu Alike player, resulting in his team conceding a goal in the second half. According to the story, the development did not go down well with the dismissed player as he returned to the pitch and attacked the referee along with other players on the bench.
As they attacked the referee, a police officer at the field started shooting into the air to disperse the crowd. The situation made the people to start running towards the gate of the school to leave the premises but another police officer opened fire on them and injured many who were later evacuated to hospital.
But Mr. Igwe was not lucky as he died before getting to hospital. Doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital later confirmed him dead.
The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor described the incident as tragic and called for calm.
He commiserated with the family of Mr. Igwe over the incident which he said was unfortunate and called for, “a full investigation into the incident.”
He also warned that his administration will not tolerate any form of breakdown of law and order.
The Governor said, “the news of the death of one of our brothers during a physical altercation with the security agents who came to save a football referee from the grip of angry mob during and football match in Ndufu Echara Ikwo is highly unfortunate and uncomfortable.
“While we condemn the incident, I want to commiserate with the family and call for full investigation into the whole ‘drama.’ My administration shall not take lightly the outcome of the investigation and anybody found culpable in the entire drama shall be dealt with…”
The Governor, according to Mr. Uzor, also, “cut short his Christmas holidays to rush back to Abakaliki, the state capital upon receiving the news.”
