Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru and the member representing Ishielu North State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Sunday Eze have condemned the attack on the people of Amagu-Nkalaha community in Ishielu local government area by suspected herdsmen.
The attack was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, which led to the loss of lives of about 10 persons and the destruction of houses and property worth millions of Naira.
Reacting to the ugly development, the state governor and the House of Assembly member representing the community described the act as unfortunate, regrettable and barbaric and called on the people to avoid any reprisal attack but to remain calm.
They described the attack as a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life, man’s inhumanity to man and a calculated attempt to cause crisis and bloodletting in the state.
Governor Nwifuru said, “I am saddened to learn about the attack on the people of Nkalaha of Ishielu Local government areas which led to the death of innocent citizens of the state.
“The attack is a flagrant disregard to the sanctity of human life. The attack which is not the first in the area is worrisome and a source of concern to the government and people of the state.
“However, as a government who is determined to secure our people by protecting lives and property, we shall take decisive steps to unravel the circumstances behind the attack.”
“I am sincerely appealing to the indigenes of the area to remain calm and avoid reprisal attack. I want to also assure them that government will get to the root of the matter
“Ebonyi people are very hospitable. One wonders why such attacks on regular intervals. Our people are very accommodating, but strangers should not take advantage of their calmness to unleash terror on them”.
Hon Eze who expressed deep displeasure on the persistent killings and destruction of properties of the people of the area stated that he would soon make a presentation on the floor of the House in respect to the incessant attacks by herdsmen.
“This is not the first nor the second or even the third time that my people are brutally murdered by the herdsmen. We have lost several lives in the different unwarranted attacks. Properties have been destroyed, and people have been rendered homeless. Yet my people have remained calm despite the provocation.
“We will continue to appeal to them to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands but let it be noted that the people are no longer happy, the way and manner they are being attacked and killed.”
The duo called on the security agencies to mobilize fully to the area to bring the situation under control.
They also commiserated with the families of the victims. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult moment, but be assured that you will not be left alone and that the perpetrators will be brought to book”.
