The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has condemned the killing of entertainer and socialite Izuchukwu Nnaji, popularly known as Stone, allegedly by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cultism Section, questioning the state government’s claims of improved security.
Stone was reportedly arrested on Tuesday night after celebrating his birthday at The Bull Hotel, where he had lodged in Enugu, before he was allegedly killed in the early hours of Wednesday.
On October 22, residents took to the streets to protest the killing, demanding accountability from the police and justice for the deceased.
Although the police subsequently confirmed that their operatives were involved in the incident in a statement released after the report emerged, the circumstances surrounding Stone’s death remain unclear.
In a statement signed by Hon. Sampson Ukwu, media aide to NDC governorship candidate Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, the party condemned the killing and said the police had acknowledged the involvement of their personnel.
The party described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of alleged killings and deaths involving security operatives in the state.
It cited the killing of Ogene musician Okezie Chikezie, popularly known as Igbo Jah, in 2024 by a member of the same police unit; the death of commercial tricycle rider Mr Friday Nwobodo at Gariki Terminal; and the shooting of NDC member Ifeanyi Christopher Nwolie at the party’s campaign office in the GRA area of Enugu.
The NDC questioned the effectiveness of the state government’s security infrastructure, particularly its cameras, drones and multi-billion-naira Command and Control Centre, which have been presented as evidence of the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
“Governor Peter Mbah and the APC have repeatedly boasted that Enugu is safe. They have showcased cameras, drones, and a multi-billion-naira Command and Control Centre as proof of their security architecture. Yet young men continue to die in the hands of those who should protect them,” the statement said.
“Where were the cameras when Stone was shot at 3am? Where were the drones? What exactly is the Command and Control Centre controlling if lives keep dropping like this?”
The party argued that the continued reports of deaths involving security operatives contradicted the government’s public assurances about safety in the state.
It further criticised what it described as a contradiction between the government’s claim of zero tolerance for violence and the repeated deaths of young people in circumstances that have raised questions about police conduct and accountability.
According to the NDC, a government that continues to promote its security achievements while young people are allegedly killed in such circumstances has lost the moral authority to lecture others on public safety.
The party also outlined what it said would be its approach to security if Ohaa emerged as governor of Enugu State, insisting that protecting lives would be a priority under an NDC-led administration.
“Under an Ohaa administration, there will be no sacred cows in uniform. Security agencies will be held accountable. The Anti-Cult Unit will be thoroughly reorganised. And the blood of Ndi Enugu will no longer be spilled with impunity,” the statement said.
The NDC called on the state government to move beyond what it described as propaganda and public boasts about surveillance equipment and security infrastructure, arguing that the ultimate measure of any security system should be its ability to protect residents from violence.
It maintained that the people of Enugu deserved a government that placed the protection of human life above political messaging and public relations.
The party subsequently urged residents to support Ohaa and the NDC, presenting the governorship candidate as an alternative to the current administration’s approach to security.
It concluded its statement with the campaign slogan, “Let’s Make Enugu Great Again.”