The Nigerian Senate has called on the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police Force, and other paramilitary organizations to prioritize inter-agency cooperation to meet the goals of the National Defense Policy.
On Tuesday, the Senate specifically instructed the Nigerian Army to visit the Eke community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. This visit is to offer condolences to the families of those killed, sympathize with the injured, and provide compensation.
These directives were part of the Senate’s resolutions following the recommendations by its Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions. The committee investigated the unwarranted killings and attack on Eke Neighbourhood Guards by Nigerian Army officers on June 29, 2023.
The Senate also directed the Nigerian Armed Forces to focus on educating the civilian population about their rules of engagement, modes of operation, and the importance of information sharing. This was part of the recommendations in the report by Senator Imasuen Neda (Labour Party, Edo South).
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Additionally, the Senate instructed its Compliance Committee to ensure the implementation of these resolutions.
Senator Imaseun provided a detailed account of the incident. On June 29, 2023, Eke Neighbourhood Guards received a distress call about a robbery. While attending an event at 9th Mile, Udi Local Government, Enugu State, they were informed that hoodlums had blocked the road leading to Eke community from the Nigerian Breweries.
In response, the Neighborhood Watch team, after notifying the DPO of 9th Mile Police Station, proceeded to the crime scene. Due to a traffic gridlock near AMA Breweries, they had to continue on foot. Upon arrival, they encountered soldiers who ordered them to stop and, after verifying their identities, allowed them to proceed. However, the soldiers then opened fire, killing Mr. Chukwuemeka Okeh and Mrs. Nechinyere Mbah, and injuring Emeka Anigbo, Obinna Offor, and Okolo Chinedu.
