Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, condemned the reprisal attack by soldiers that destroyed the means of livelihood of many people in Ehime Mbano Local Council of Imo State.
The Youth Council of the organisation has also condemned the killing of eight security operatives in the state by gunmen and the reprisal attack by security operatives.
Also, the candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the November 11 governorship election in the state, Athan Achonu, also condemned the killing and the reprisal attack, describing the development as a sign of lawlessness in the country.
A video of the destruction of people’s shops and businesses by uniform wearing armed men suspected to be military personnel in retaliation for the killing of the eight security agents by gunmen went viral yesterday and has generated negative reactions.
President general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, noted that the retaliation was unacceptable, stressing that it had thrown the people into further pains and mourning.
“This situation is completely unacceptable to me. It is unacceptable to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed unacceptable to all honest, right thinking and patriotic Nigerians. I condemn it in strong terms,” he said.
Iwuanyanwu announced the setting up of an investigation team to be led by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state to give a comprehensive report on the matter. He called on the Federal Government to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and ensure they face the law.
“I also urge the Federal Government to put in place necessary security measures to forestall the reoccurrence of this sad event,” he added.
While expressing sadness over the murder of the security men via a statement the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, said the act was alien to the principles Ndigbo were known for. He said: “Igbo people are known to have respect for the sanctity of life; they are not used to shedding blood, no matter who is involved.
“Such barbaric murder of security operatives or anyone else stands unjustifiable; it is reprehensible, against the moral and conscience of an average Igbo man.”
We appeal to all those behind this mayhem to lay down their arms and allow for dialogue.
“The recent developments underscore my views that there is a need for a security summit in the South-East, as well as an all encompassing dialogue, where all aggrieved interests would be allowed to lay their grouse on the table.”
On his part, Achonu urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that security operatives do not engage in further reprisal attacks in the area.
The LP chieftain, who hails from the area, made the demand after visiting the scene yesterday. He also urged the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division Enugu; the Brigade Commander, 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, among other top security officers in the South-East to restrain their officers from attacking the people.
He said: “The insecurity that happened is lawlessness in the society. It shows there is no rule of law in this country.
“I have been supporting the police, the DSS and the military over the years. It is unbelievable that this happened. Two of the slain security officers accompanied us to Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Ngor Opkala.
“The GOC should call his boys to order. The essence of governance is to protect society. What is the essence of society if the government cannot provide security?
“Government should lead by example. I am calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma to rebuild the houses and shops destroyed. They are not the ones who killed the security personnel. President Tinubu should look into what is happening here and Imo State. He is a product of democracy and he has enjoyed democracy. He should not allow these characters.”
