Group condemns killing of soldiers in Ebonyi, gunmen attacks in South East

A group, Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in Diaspora (AESID), has condemned the killing of soldiers at a checkpoint near Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area (LGA), and the robbing of a commercial bank in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state all in the past few days.

The group also bemoaned the recent attack on several communities in Ebonyi State, urging the perpetrators to give peace a chance as “violence is an ill wind that blows no one no good.”

In a presser on Thursday in Abuja, it said that the recent attacks came at a time when scores of lives had been lost to communal unrests and attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

It also stated that “it is saddening that Ebonyi is yet another target for attacks by some unknown gunmen who are on guerilla war with not just the Nigerian State but the South-Eastern part of the country in particular”.

That is as it added that it is “traumatic” for citizens and residents of Ebonyi State following reported cases of attacks on individuals and public facilities by some unknown gunmen.

The statement reads in part: “We, the Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora, AESID down rightly condemn in strongest terms the recent arson at the Federal High Court, Abakaliki,

“It is our firm view that the growing ugly scenario is worse for our people who are yet battling with too many internal communal crises and conflicts.

“While we caution the perpetrators of these evil acts to desist forthwith for the sake of peace and development of our dear state, we also heap the blames at the door-steps of the leaders, particularly the Governor who is the Chief Security of the State for not acting swiftly and as promptly as had been expected of him.”

While cautioning the perpetrators and calling for total peace, AESID demanded explanation from the state governor on how the monthly security vote is being used.

“Governor Umahi, who incidentally leads the South-East Governors Forum appear to us from his unguarded utterances to have incited the fast-spreading attacks on Ebonyi and Ebonyians by these unknown gunmen.

“Else, how can we exonerate him from the blames when on his several appearances on national Televisions he has made unsubstantiated claims and assertions, boastful statements and threatened fire against some interest groups in the region even when wisdom demands otherwise?

“As a leader, Umahi in our overall estimation of his management of the ailing security architecture in the State has at best shown himself grossly incompetent, selfish and always bent on politicizing every issue in this very regard,” the group reiterated. (Daily Independent)