FENRAD Condemns Assault by ASEPA Officials in Aba — Calls for Immediate Investigation and Prosecution of Perpetrators

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a Human rights and environmental advocacy organization, has condemned in strong terms the alleged brutal assault on a contractor, his workers, and the Supervisory Councillor for Health and Environment, Aba North LGA, by some officials of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) in Aba.

According to reports widely circulated in the media, ASEPA personnel allegedly attacked Mr. Destiny Chimobiokwu, the Managing Director of Don Destiny Global Links Ltd, his workers, and Hon. Chukwugirim Hilary Chukwugozie, while they were carrying out government-approved erosion control work along Factory Road, Aba, on Friday, November 7, 2025. Eyewitnesses alleged that the ASEPA team, led by one Elder Ijeoma Nwokoleme, engaged in violent conduct that left several persons injured and hospitalized.

Reacting to the incident, FENRAD in a statement signed by its Executive Director Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, described the attack as barbaric, unprofessional, and a gross abuse of power, calling it a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law.

It is totally unacceptable that agents of a government agency established to protect the environment would turn around to brutalize citizens who are performing legitimate duties. This act is a blatant misuse of authority and an assault on human dignity,”

FENRAD called on Governor Alex Chioma Otti, the Abia State Government, and the Abia State Police Command to immediately launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, ensure that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, and provide justice and compensation to the victims.

The organization further urged the management of ASEPA to reform its operational ethics, provide human rights and public conduct training to its field officers, and ensure that its mandate is carried out with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.

FENRAD will continue to stand with victims of abuse and will not relent in demanding accountability from public institutions. The culture of impunity must not be allowed to thrive under any administration.