By Uzair Adam Imam
Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, witnessed a fervent protest on Tuesday as residents of Okwuta Ibeku rallied to demand justice for Air Force cadet Emmanuel Onyemereche.
Onyemereche had tragically drowned in the swimming pool of Damgrete Hotel the week prior, leaving his community in mourning.
Clad in sombre black attire, the demonstrators filled the streets, their mournful chants echoing through the air.
Holding placards emblazoned with calls for justice, they urged Governor Alex Otti to intervene.
The diverse crowd, comprising youths, men, and women, marched towards Government House Umuahia, determined to make their voices heard.
The protesters, represented by figures like Public Relations Officer Mr. Chibuzor Onwukamuche, family Head Prince James Onyeomereneche, and woman leader Mrs. Happiness Ebere, expressed disbelief in the circumstances surrounding Onyemereche’s death.
They voiced suspicions about the conflicting accounts and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Questioning how a trained Naval Officer could drown in a seemingly ordinary swimming pool, they pointed fingers at Onyemereche’s friend, Valentine Okpechi, and the hotel management.
In response, Governor Otti, conveyed through Special Adviser Navy Commander Macdonald Uba (Rtd.), conveyed his condolences and assured the grieving community that the State Government would pursue a thorough investigation, promising not to let the matter fade into obscurity.