Controversy trails death of young Imo lawyer killed by unknown gunmen

Controversy is trailing the death of young lawyer, Barrister Darlington Omekagu, killed by unknown gunmen in Orlu, Imo State.

Some blame suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their militia wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) for the killing of Barrister Omekagu while others think they should not be roped in as the identities of the killers were not established.

One of the few things that remains certain is that Darlington, a young lawyer, was until his death a human rights lawyer and activist from Amaifeke in Orlu, Imo State.

He graduated from Imo State University, Owerri, the state capital.

He was shot on the chest by unknown gunmen on coming out from a supermarket in Orlu and later died on his way to hospital.

A correspondent of ElombahNews, Mr. FCC Jones, while reacting to the gruesome murder of young Omekagu, said:

“Barrister Darlington Omekagu is yet another victim of the senseless bloodletting brought upon us by the Indigenous People of Biafra and their militia wing, the Eastern Security Network.

“Darlington is a young lawyer who was until his death trying to carve a niche for himself as a human rights lawyer and activist.

“He was based in Orlu, the second largest city in Imo State.

“An alumnus of Imo State University, Owerri, Omekagu was shot on his chest by hoodlums, who were passed off as unknown gunmen, while he went to a popular supermarket in Orlu to make some essential purchases.

“He died on his way to the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu.

“The IPOB would, in their usual character come out to deny having a hand in this dastardly assassination, but, they are fully responsible for this and any other such incident that takes place in the Southeast.

“Yes, if they hadn’t declared a war on Ala Igbo, it would have been easier for us to pinpoint the culprits of these recurring incidents of assassination.

“IPOB brought death upon Igbo land, but Ala shall mete justice to them and their supporters.”

Speaking further, he said: “The amazing thing about the IPOB and its many social media supporters and promoters is that they get angry when you describe them as terrorist.

“Yet, they warn you on the same post with threats of death, by a so-called checkmate squad of the same IPOB.

“The truth is that every supporter of IPOB knows that they are a criminal and terrorist organization, but as an insincere and confused group, they thrive on lies and deceits.

“Even as bad as the Talibans, Boko Haram, ISIS and all those terrorist organizations are, they are still responsible enough to own up to their actions and declarations.

“Ala Igbo must prevail!

“Omekagu, laa na Udo! (Go in peace)”

A lawyer, Barrister Sylvester Udemezue, however, faulted FCC Jones’ narrative since the identities of the “unknown gunmen” killers were not established.

He said: “What is rather unfortunate is that after disclosing that the identities of the assailants were not known, you still went ahead to declare that the assailants are IPOB members.

“What a hasty conclusion without any sane bases whatsoever. What a funny contradiction yours is! What a fallacy!

“What a hollow argument! How could you blow hot and cold at the same time?

“With due respect, your entire comment is ridiculously bizarre and childish. I suggest you find more credible reasons to vent your aversion for the IPOB.

“Although, I denounce anyone who supports or unleashes violence against fellow humans.

“I therefore condemn all forms of violence and lawlessness, by whosoever for whatsoever reasons.

“Meanwhile, may God visit the killers of this bubbling young lawyers with greater measure of pain than the one they’ve brought down upon the lawyer’s family and relatives.

“Amen! Rest in peace, great Bar Man!”