The Executive Director of Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, has called for a judicial panel of inquiry after a tragic explosion in the Mbosi community, Ihiala Local Council, Anambra State, that killed children.
According to Nwanguma, residents ofthe Mbosi community are in mourning following a horrific explosion that reportedly killed three innocent children and left one person hhospitalised
Nwanguma said: “Allegations have emerged claiming that a cannon from a military helicopter was responsible for this tragedy. However, the Nigerian Air Force has denied these accusations, asserting that no military operations occurred in the area.
“In a strongly worded statement, Comrade Onuoha Endurance Eberechukwu, State Chairman of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) in Anambra State, condemned this act as a ‘barbaric’ assault on unarmed civilians. He emphasised that the loss of these children represents a grave violation of international humanitarian laws and a disturbing escalation of violence against the community.”
Comrade Eberechukwu reportedly said: “We stand united in our demand for an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation by a judicial panel of inquiry into this incident. The silence from relevant authorities, including Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuka Soludo and lawmakers representing the area, is both alarming and unacceptable. Our children’s blood cannot be washed away with silence; we demand justice, accountability, and action to ensure that this kind of tragedy never occurs again.”
The President General of the community, Azuka Innocent Okolie, has distanced the military from the incident, attributing the explosion to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and urging residents to remain vigilant.
However, this conflicting narrative only underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation that will clarify the facts and provide closure to the grieving families.
Nwanguma further stated: “It is crucial that the Anambra State government not repeat the mistakes of the past, such as the failure to investigate the Ezu River case, where bodies were found floating without accountability or justice. The Anambra State government must establish a judicial panel of inquiry to unravel the truth and ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.
“As the community faces this tragedy, we implore the government to prioritise the safety and protection of its people over political ambitions as it heads towards the 2027 gubernatorial election. The welfare of the citizens should remain paramount, and governance should not be overshadowed by electoral considerations.”
