Enugu Govt Condemns Illegal Sit-At-Home Order Over Death Of Musician Igbo Jah

The Enugu State Government has dismissed as “mischievous” the illegal sit-at-home order declared by unidentified non-state actors for Tuesday, October 29, 2024, purportedly in response to the tragic death of popular Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, known as Igbo Jah.

The government condemned those behind the order, calling them “criminals and opportunists” who seek to exploit the situation for their own agenda, harming the interests of Ndi Enugu and Ndi Igbo.

In a statement, the government reassured the public that it is working closely with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the death of Igbo Jah are held accountable.

It described the sit-at-home order’s sponsors and promoters as “enemies of Enugu State and the Igbo nation.”

The government urged residents to disregard the illegal directive and carry on with their regular activities, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Authorities confirmed that suspects involved in the killing of Igbo Jah are already in custody and undergoing interrogation and prosecution.

The government, in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia, on Sunday, said, “Our attention has been drawn to reports making the rounds on social media to the effect that some criminal and faceless non-state actors have declared a sit-at-home in Enugu State on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 purportedly to protest the unfortunate killing of the popular Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, aka Igbo Jah, by a police officer on Friday.

“The Enugu State government once again restates its condemnation of the killing as abominable, unacceptable and totally against the values we hold dear, most especially the sanctity of human life.

“Indeed, His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, spared no time in ordering a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstance of the killing with a view to bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice. Already, the culprit has been identified and in custody while investigation continues.

“On Sunday morning, a delegation from the state government, led by the Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Victor Udeh, visited the bereaved family to empathize with them and reemphasized government’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served.

“The Enugu State government is, however, not surprised that criminal elements are seeking to exploit the unfortunate situation to cause mayhem in the state, restrict economic activities, and inflict more pain on our people.

“These opportunists who play on the emotions of our people in the name of freedom agitation do not mean well for a people known for enterprise, hard work and creativity. They cannot be our true representatives. They do not represent the values we cherish. They are simply criminals and enemies of Ndi Igbo sponsored to destabilize the region.

“To this end, and as usual, there shall be no compliance with the illegal sit-at-home order in any part of Enugu State on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Government will muster all the powers at its disposal to ensure the security of lives and property of our people.

“Government hereby charges civil servants, farmers, market men and women, the corporate sector, business and shop owners, schools, teachers, and all workers in Enugu State that the sit-at-homes belong to an inglorious past we must erase from our memories.”