Bianca Ojukwu, the wife of the late Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, has raised alarming concerns by disclosing the existence of a mass grave in Anambra State, Nigeria.
In a statement posted on her Facebook page titled, ‘A Mass Grave Site Discovered in Anambra Sealed Off for Forensic Investigation,’ Bianca Ojukwu revealed that the discovery was made known through testimonies presented to the Anambra Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission.
While she did not disclose the exact location of the grave site, she stated that the commission had been made aware of it and was taking steps to investigate further.
It is reported that approximately 322 individuals were killed or have died as a result of violence in the region, based on the testimonies provided by witnesses during the commission’s proceedings.
The Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission was established by the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, in June 2022 to investigate the violent agitations and restiveness in the state and the broader South East region.
Bianca Ojukwu’s revelation concerning the mass grave raises significant questions about the circumstances surrounding these deaths and further underscores the need for a thorough investigation.
Bianca said that the Anambra Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission have completed the second phase of their public hearing, where a total of 39 witnesses testified on oath, and 243 exhibits were collected.
News About Nigeria gathered that this phase of the inquiry spanned from October 26 to November 3, 2023.
She added that the commission, chaired by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, is now taking measures to seal off the suspected mass grave site for forensic investigation.
This investigation aims to identify the victims and uncover the circumstances of their deaths.
Furthermore, a Bureau of Missing Persons has already been established in the state to document missing individuals and ascertain the circumstances of their disappearance.
When Punch contacted to know if the state government was aware of the development, the Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime, said a formal report has not been presented on it.
Aburime said, “She is probably talking about the activities of the Truth and Justice Commission set up by Governor Soludo, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Odinkalu, of which, she is the secretary. I cannot speak on this until a formal report is presented to the state government.”
