Members of the National Assembly from the South East geopolitical zone has condemned what they described as a sudden spike in violence, attacks and killings in the region, calling for thorough investigation to unmask the perpetrators.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Caucus while expressing worry over the high risk of insecurity in the zone, said Ndigbo are not known to kill or waste human lives, urging the government to tackle the vexatious issues of injustice and marginalization in the region.
They posited that agitators of restructuring and secession must confine their agitations within the ambit of the law and pursue it peacefully, devoid of any form of violence.
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 marginalization. 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 its 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.”
Those who appended their signature to the statement as South East National Assembly Caucus includes: Sen. Ike Ekweremadu of Enugu State, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia State, Sen. Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, Sen. Frank Ibezim of Imo State, Sen. Stella Odua of Anambra State, Hon. Toby Okechukwu of Enugu State, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha of Abia State, Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu of Anambra State, Hon. Jerry Alagboso of Imo State, and Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga of Ebonyi State.
