• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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BusinessDay

Killings: South-East NASS caucus calls on IGP to unravel identities of unknown gunmen

Usman Alkali Baba

Federal lawmakers from the South-East have called on the acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to swing into action in unravelling the identities of unknown gunmen determined to create a state of anarchy in the South-east.

The caucus argued that the investigation had become necessary in the circumstance because of the magnitude of the attacks, adding that the region had not witnessed such in the past.

In a press statement made available to BusinessDay, leader of the caucus and Senate Minority leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe said as lawmakers, they were worried over recent developments in the region, which had thrown the zone into violence and confusion.

Enyinnaya noted that the increasing separatist agitations across the country was due to perceived and real issues of marginalisation, but maintained that such agitations must be within the ampit of the law.

He therefore condemned the attacks on the police, INEC, courts and correctional facilities, stressing that it was unacceptable and must not be condoned.

According to the statement, “We, the South-East Caucus of the NASS, as leaders and major stakeholders in the region, have observed with surprise the sudden spike in violence in the region known for its calm, love and peaceful disposition to visitors irrespective of tribe and religion.

“We have had cause always to deploy the instrumentalities of the institution of state to alert the government of Nigeria about some of the vexed issues of injustice, inequity and obvious marginalisation of the South East in governance structure. Nonetheless, we have not lost hope that the authorities will eventually do the right thing for the continued peaceful coexistence of all people in a united Nigeria.

“However, we are worried over recent developments in the South East, which has thrown the zone into violence and confusion.

“Igbos are not known to kill or waste lives. Igbos are not known for this unfortunate violent disposition, no matter the provocation.

“We note the increasing agitation for restructuring of Nigeria and increasing separatist agitations across the country due to perceived and real issues of marginalisation. On these issues, we, the leaders across-board, have consistently cautioned that such agitations must be strictly in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and must be peaceful and devoid of violence.

“The Southeast Caucus of NASS commiserates with all who have lost loved ones, friends and colleagues in these unfortunate incidents and trust that our great country is resilient enough to weather and survive the current challenges confronting it.

“We therefore condemn in it’s totality the attack on the security personnel and their formations, particularly on the police, INEC, courts and correctional facilities. It is unacceptable and must never for whatever reason be condoned.

“We urge the Inspector General of Police to dig deep in his investigations to unravel the actual identities of these unknown gunmen determined to create a state of anarchy in the Southeast.

“The investigation has become necessary in the circumstance because of the magnitude of the attacks. More so as the region had not witnessed such in the past.

“We advise the security agencies to continue to show restraint in the discharge of its mission to restore peace in the Southeast. Security operatives must remember, at all times, that the majority of Igbos are opposed to any form of violence in furtherance of any cause.”

The lawmakers include: Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia State), Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu State), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi State), Frank Ibezim (Imo State), Stella Odua (Anambra State), Toby Okechukwu (Enugu State) and Nkiruka Onyejiocha (Abia State).

Others are: Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu (Anambra State), Jerry Alagboso (Imo State) and Sylvester Ogbaga (Ebonyi State).