The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the killing of Igwe Akuma Akwu, a youth leader from Okon Aku, Ohafia, describing the incident as a gross violation of the fundamental right to life and a troubling reflection of rising violence and impunity in society.

In a press statement issued on January 5 2026, and made available to journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, FENRAD expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the killing, noting that the deceased had repeatedly raised alarm over threats to his life prior to his death.

According to the human rights organization, Igwe Akuma Akwu had on several occasions publicly reported attacks on his person, property, and family, while also calling for protection and intervention from relevant security agencies. These warnings, FENRAD stated, were widely documented and constituted clear early warning signals that were not met with the urgency and decisive response required from security institutions.

“This tragic incident underscores a systemic failure in the protection of citizens, especially those who exercise their right to freedom of expression and raise legitimate security concerns,” the organization said. “When threats are reported and ignored, perpetrators are emboldened, and lives are placed at avoidable risk.”

FENRAD further expressed alarm over what it described as a growing pattern of violent attacks and intolerance within civic and public spaces, warning that failure to address such acts undermines public confidence in state institutions and weakens the rule of law.

As part of its calls to action, FENRAD demanded an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the killing by relevant security agencies.

The organization also called for the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the crime, stressing that justice must be pursued without bias, fear, or favor.
In addition, FENRAD urged authorities to review existing security response mechanisms, particularly in cases involving reported threats and early warning signals, to prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies. The group also called for institutional accountability where negligence or lapses may have contributed to the failure to protect the deceased.

“Justice for Igwe Akuma Akwu is not optional; it is both a constitutional and moral imperative,” FENRAD stated, warning that failure to ensure accountability would reinforce the dangerous perception that violence carries no consequences.

FENRAD strongly condemns this tragic loss of life and the continued breakdown of law and order in the community. The persistence of violent conflict poses serious threats to human rights, public safety, and community development, particularly affecting youths, women, and children.

In view of the escalating tension, FENRAD urgently calls on the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti, to intervene decisively to prevent further loss of lives and restore peace

The organization expressed solidarity with the family and community of the late youth leader and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained advocacy for justice, human rights protection, and the eradication of impunity in Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD.