The Ebonyi State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Ifeanyi Odii has appealed for peace in the violence that has erupted over the killing of a woman in Uga, Anambra State.
The Anambra State Police Command announced last week that a suspect, Chima Ofoeke was arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Mmesoma Umeorini who had been missing since October 16.
Ofoeke is from Ebonyi State, while the late Mmesoma was from Uga, Anambra State
This alleged murder of Mmesoma ans arrest of Ofoeke led to reported violence between Anambra and Ebonyi indigenes, resulting in the death of two persons.
Reacting to the violence, Chief Odii said he was saddened by the unfortunate development and strongly condemned the killings, attacks and threats against innocent persons on both sides.
Odii’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Emma Igwe.
“There can never be any justification for taking innocent human lives under the guise of revenge.
“The murder of Mmesoma is condemnable, just as the reported killing of two Ebonyi men and the continued threats against other persons are equally unacceptable. Criminal responsibility must be individual, not collective.
“No community should be made to suffer for the alleged offence of an individual,” Chief Odi said.
Chief Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, appealed to the people of Anambra and Ebonyi States, particularly youths and community leaders, to exercise restraint and resist every temptation to embark on reprisal attacks.
“We must not allow the criminal actions of individuals to destroy the longstanding brotherhood, commercial relationships and cultural affinity between our two neighbouring states.
“Anambra and Ebonyi are sister states whose people have lived, traded, married and conducted businesses together for generations.
“We cannot afford to allow the unfortunate actions of a few individuals to turn neighbours into enemies,” he said.
Calling on the Anambra State government to intervene in the crisis, Chief Odii said those involved in the initial murder and the attacks that followed must be brought to book.
“We therefore call on the Anambra State Government, under Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene and deploy all necessary security and administrative measures to stop the carnage, protect vulnerable residents and prevent further bloodshed.
“The government must ensure that those responsible for the initial murder and subsequent reprisal attacks are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Security agencies must also intensify surveillance and protect residents irrespective of their state of origin,” he said.
Odii has also shown his commitment to humanity, peaceful coexistence and compassion beyond political, ethnic and geographical boundaries by offering to offset hospital bills incurred by victims receiving treatment as a result of the violence on both sides.
He is also offering to donate bags of rice and other essential food items to affected families and communities on both sides as an immediate humanitarian intervention to cushion the hardship arising from this unfortunate crisis.
Pointing out that the gesture was not an endorsement of violence or an attempt to interfere with ongoing investigations, he said it was a demonstration that human life and suffering transcend ethnic and state boundaries.
“We appeal to community leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations, religious leaders and other stakeholders in both states to work together towards reconciliation and the restoration of confidence,” he said.
He urged Ebonyi people living in Anambra and Anambra people living in Ebonyi to remain calm, protect one another and refuse to be instruments of division in the hands of criminal elements.
“We equally appeal to the media and social media users to avoid inflammatory publications, unverified reports and statements capable of provoking further attacks.
“The time has come for responsible leadership, compassion and decisive action,” he said.
Restating his call for peace, he reminded the people of both states of their brotherly relationship.
“Anyichuks believes that no political ambition, ethnic sentiment or personal grievance is worth the blood of an innocent Nigerian.
“Let the law take its course. Let the innocent be protected. Let the wounded receive treatment. Let the hungry be supported. Let peace return to our communities.
“Anambra and Ebonyi are brothers, not enemies,” Chief Odii maintained.
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