Apex lgbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the recent killing of residents of Nimbo community, in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, by suspected herdsmen.
Suspected herdsmen had on Sunday morning murdered Okeh Oruki, Okeh Chukwuemeka, Julius Odiegwu and Gabriel Ezra, all indigenes of Nimbo.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, called for a swift response from authorities saying that the people of Southeast are under severe threat by armed herdsmen.
He also warned the herdsmen to steer clear of the Southeast.
The statement reads: “The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses deep concern and outrage at the recent wave of violence unleashed on the residents of Nimbo Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“The brutal and unwarranted attacks that led to the tragic deaths of Okeh Oruku, Okeh Chukwuemeka, Julius Odiegwu, and Gabriel Ezea have sent shockwaves through the Southeast region.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly condemns these malicious and intentional onslaughts as nothing short of a direct assault on the peace and stability of our communities.
“We categorically reject the notion that these attacks, purportedly by suspected herdsmen, are mere coincidences following the recent statements from the Northern Elders Forum.
“Amidst these daunting circumstances, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urgently calls upon the Southeast Governors, Inspector General of Police, and all relevant security agencies to launch a full-scale investigation into the renewed violence in the region.
“The safety of Southeast residents, particularly vulnerable farmers living in rural areas, must be safeguarded at all costs.The reign of terror orchestrated by killer herdsmen must be brought to an end, and those behind these callous acts must face the full wrath of the law.
“It is essential for community vigilante groups to collaborate closely with security forces in order to thwart any further attempts to disrupt our farming seasons and instill fear in our communities.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State and the grieving families of Nimbo Community. We demand justice and accountability from the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of these despicable deeds are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
“Moreover, we emphasize the need for the Southeast Governors to reinstate the ban on the conveyance of cattle by foot within our region.
“The rearing of cattle is a legitimate private enterprise that must operate in adherence to established laws and in harmony with the resident communities.
“We assert that the Southeast has no space for Ruga settlements and will vehemently protect our land from any encroachment. As we navigate this turbulent period, we implore the people of the Southeast to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
“We urge against resorting to any form of retaliation or taking the law into our own hands, no matter the level of provocation we face.”