Eku Festival Killings: Akpowowo Accuses Political Opponent Of Complicity, Demands Accountability

Arthur Akpowowo, Esq., has accused Novwe Ikie, the New Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, of allegedly attempting to justify the killings that occurred during the Eku annual festival on September 21, 2026, while calling for accountability over the incident.

Akpowowo made the allegations in a statement marking the Thanksgiving of the New Legal Year, during which he said he was grateful to God for sparing his life following what he described as an alleged plot by political opponents to assassinate him during the festival.

According to him, he received intelligence reports about a possible attack and consequently changed his venue, adding that he provided heavy security for himself, his family and friends with the assistance of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

He expressed sadness over the deaths of young men during the incident and prayed for God to comfort the families of the deceased, while also wishing those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.

Akpowowo alleged that Ikie had yet to publicly condemn the killings or express sympathy for the bereaved families. He further accused him of making contradictory statements about the incident, including initially blaming him for provoking the violence before subsequently absolving him and blaming Hon. Friday Odje.

The lawmaker also alleged that a vehicle belonging to Ikie was used by the assailants during the incident, claiming that Ikie had attempted to shift blame to other people. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Akpowowo further accused Ikie of attempting to justify the killings and implicate innocent persons, rather than condemn the violence and disassociate himself from the actions of those allegedly involved.

He also alleged that Ikie failed to visit the families of the deceased to commiserate with them upon returning from a trip, but instead continued his political campaigns, reportedly boasting that “nothing will happen.”

Explaining his decision not to engage in public exchanges since the incident, Akpowowo said he had restrained himself and his media aides because murder was a crime against the state and he believed the law would take its course.

He alleged that Ikie had recruited individuals and bloggers to malign him online, but maintained that the alleged campaign of blackmail would not diminish the confidence he enjoys among the people of Agbon.

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Akpowowo’s reaction followed the police invitation reportedly extended to Ikie, which he described as a turning point in the unfolding controversy. He accused Ikie of subsequently alleging that he was behind the police action and was using his office to intimidate him.

The lawmaker raised a series of questions concerning the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the organisation of a political rally on the day of the festival, the alleged occupation of NEPA Junction by Ikie’s supporters, and the reported use of a vehicle belonging to Ikie during the violence.

He also questioned whether his name appeared in the police invitation letter and asked why Ikie was allegedly contacting lawyers to negotiate bail for a suspect arrested in connection with the incident.

Akpowowo further sought clarification on whether the vehicle allegedly linked to the incident had been impounded by the police since September 21.

He maintained that he was prepared to provide relevant information to the appropriate authorities, insisting that he would speak the truth about what he knew if called upon at any level of investigation.

“Novwe, stop the emotional blackmail and face the consequences of your actions and inactions,” Akpowowo said.

He added that he was not in political competition with Ikie or any other individual, expressing confidence in his political prospects ahead of the February 6, 2027 election.

Akpowowo said he believed his performance and leadership had earned him the support of the electorate, adding that the outcome of the election would speak for itself.

The September 21 killings have generated controversy in the Eku community, with Akpowowo’s allegations raising questions about the circumstances of the violence and the responsibilities of those allegedly connected to it.

The allegations against Ikie and other persons mentioned in the statement remain claims made by Akpowowo and would require independent verification and appropriate findings by the relevant authorities.