Killing In Southeast ‘Unacceptable’ – NASS Caucus

The South East caucus of federal lawmakers has condemned the rising insecurity in the region, describing it as unacceptable.

The caucus also blamed the rise in violence and call for secession on grievances arising from a sense of injustice, inequity and alleged obvious marginalization of the South East in the governance structure of the country.

The caucus noted that leaders of the region “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.”

In a joint statement released on Sunday, they however recalled that they “have consistently cautioned that such agitations must be strictly in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and must be peaceful and devoid of violence.”

They added that despite the current situation, the region is known for its calm, love and peaceful disposition to visitors irrespective of tribe and religion.

The statement also added that the “Igbos are not known to kill or waste lives. Igbos are not known for this unfortunate violent disposition, no matter the provocation.”

While condemning the attack on security personnel and formations, particularly on the police, INEC, courts and correctional facilities, the lawmakers said such scenario “is unacceptable and must never for whatever reason be condoned.”

Accordingly, the statement urged the Inspector General of Police to deeply investigate and unravel the actual identities of “these unknown gunmen determined to create a state of anarchy in the Southeast.”

The statement reads in part, “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.”

This is as it expressed confidence in the ability of the authorities to “ do the right thing for the continued peaceful coexistence of all people in a united Nigeria.”

The Caucus commiserated with victims of the crisis that has claimed scores of lives and destroyed properties.
The statement was signed by Senators Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu State), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia State), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi State, Frank Ibezim (Imo State) and Stella Odua (Anambra State).

Others are Representatives Toby Okechukwu (Enugu State), Nkiruka Onyejiocha (Abia State), Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu (Anambra State), Jerry Alagboso (Imo State) and Sylvester Ogbaga (Ebonyi State).