A member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly representing Abakaliki North Constituency, Hon. Chidi Victor Nwoke, has condemned the killing of Miss Mmesoma Umeora, a native of Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, allegedly by her boyfriend, Chima Ofoke, reportedly of Ebonyi origin.
Nwoke who is the Chairman committee on Youth and Sports Development described the incident as brutal and expressed condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging the pain and irreparable loss caused by the tragic death.
However, the lawmaker cautioned community leaders and residents against profiling people from Ebonyi State over the alleged crime, warning that collective blame and inflammatory statements could heighten tensions between the two neighbouring states.
In a statement, Nwoke criticised a viral video reportedly linked to the Uga Progressive Youth leadership, led by Engr. Izuchukwu Umejiaku, describing its alleged message as demeaning and capable of promoting ethnic stereotypes.
While acknowledging the gravity of the incident, he argued that attributing the alleged actions of one individual to an entire state was unjust, dangerous and inimical to peaceful coexistence.
The lawmaker also expressed sympathy with the people of Uga over the loss, but appealed to community leaders to reconsider reported threats to expel Ebonyi indigenes residing in the community.
He stressed that the alleged crime should be treated as an individual matter and addressed through due process, rather than used as a basis for discrimination against innocent residents of Ebonyi origin.
Nwoke called on the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation of the incident and that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He further urged the authorities to protect innocent Ebonyi residents from intimidation, harassment or unlawful eviction, warning that retaliatory actions would neither deliver justice to the deceased nor serve the interests of the affected communities.
The lawmaker emphasised the longstanding social and cultural ties between Ebonyi and Anambra states, urging residents and community leaders to exercise restraint, reject divisive rhetoric and allow the law to take its course.