From Fred Itua, Abuja
Senators and members of the House of Representatives from the South East geopolitical zone, have urged the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, to fish out unknown gunmen carrying out killings in the region.
They said the IGP must unravel the actual identities of the unknown gunmen in the South East and bring them to justice. They said the investigation has become necessary in the current circumstances as a result of the magnitude of recent attacks.
In a statement signed by chairman of the South East caucus, Ike Ekweremadu, Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, among others, siad majority of Igbo are opposed to any form of violence in furtherance of any cause.
Part of the statement read: “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.
“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.”