CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE – A cloud of grief and accusation hangs over Cross River State as the family of Stephen Nnanna Mba, a 22-year-old man allegedly shot by state governor’s aides, publicly rejects the government’s official response, calling it a “threat” and an empty promise.
The incident, which occurred on August 1st, has sparked public outrage and a tense standoff between the victim’s family and the state government.
The Family’s Account: A Preacher Gunned Down
In an emotional appeal, the victim’s mother, Mrs. Onyekwere Victoria Mba, identified herself and her son to the public. She stated that her son, who would have turned 23 in November, went to the residence of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to “preach the gospel and tell him the vision he had for the State.”
According to Mrs. Mba, her unarmed son was then brutally attacked. “The governor’s aides beat him and shot him… and after they shot him they abandoned him there to die,” she claimed. She further stated that he was shot at 11 a.m. but was not taken to the hospital until 7 p.m. by the Red Cross, a delay she believes cost him his life.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, the family alleges a high-level cover-up. “We have written a petition to The Zone 6 [Police Command] but nothing has been done since 3 weeks now… they say that the governor’s name is involved and nothing will be done about it,” Mrs. Mba said.
The Government’s Response: A Promise of Action
In contrast, the Office of the State Commissioner of Information released a memo on August 29th, stating that Governor Otu has “directed the Commissioner of Police to effect the immediate arrest and thorough investigation of the officers implicated in this grievous misconduct.”
The memo extended the state government’s “deepest sympathies” and assured the public that “justice will not be delayed nor denied.” It urged everyone to “remain calm and peaceful.”
Family Rejects Government’s Sympathy, Alleges Threats
However, the Mba family has outrightly rejected this official statement. In a sharp rebuttal, they clarified that no government official has called to sympathize with them. Instead, they claim the calls they have received have been threatening.
“For clarity sake No Member of the Cross River State Government has called to SYMPATHISE with US, rather they call to THREATEN US,” the family’s statement read.
They are now calling on the public to see the government’s memo as a tactic “to calm everything down without actually acting on the matter.” They are urging Nigerians to continue demanding #JusticeForOnyekachiMba, asserting that without public pressure, true justice will be denied.
Calls for Accountability Grow
The case has drawn attention to issues of police accountability and the power of state actors. The family’s plea highlights a deep distrust in the system, with allegations that the involvement of the governor’s office is stifling the investigation.
The Zone 6 Police Command and the Governor’s office are now under increased public scrutiny to transparently investigate the incident and make good on the promise to arrest and prosecute all those involved.
As of now, the police have yet to publicly confirm any arrests made in connection to the shooting death of Stephen Nnanna Mba.
#JusticeForOnyekachiMbaContinues
