Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of the youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has condemned the alleged killing of seven wedding guests by the Ebubeagu security outfit in Imo State.
Okwu Nnabuike narrated that the incident happened last Sunday when the victims were returning to their community in Otulu, Oru East Local Government Area of the State from Awomama in the neighboring Oru West LGA, before the security operatives opened fire on them.
Both the President General of the Otulu community, Nnamdi Agbor, and the Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident.
In another development, at least 15 persons were said to have been abducted by herdsmen in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a widely circulated letter, the Youth Council condemned the killings; He said, “our hearts are filled with rage over this mindless and reckless killing of innocent people by Ebubeagu security operatives.
“It is inconceivable that a local security outfit could just open fire on armed civilians for no clear reason. We are even more sad owing to the grave silence of the Imo State Government days after that brutal killing.
“Ndigbo are very concerned that nothing good has ever come out of the government of Hope Uzodinma ever since he came to power. It has been one form of crisis or the other and now this strange action by the government-controlled Ebubeagu. His reign has only brought sorrow to the people of the State.
“In Ebonyi State, there have been reported cases of the use of Ebubeagu by State forces to settle scores; now, the onslaught appears to have spread to Imo State. This is unacceptable and should be condemned by all men of goodwill.
“We demand a private inquiry over this matter and though no life could be paid for, adequate compensation must be made to the families of the victims,” Okwu declared.
He also stated that “the continuous virulent unprovoked attack on the residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State by Fulani herdsmen can no longer be condoned.
“We find it hard to understand why the security agencies cannot put an end to this mayhem, which has led to the loss of several lives.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, therefore, calls on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s led administration to find an immediate end to this carnage. The primary purpose of the government is to provide security to the people.
“The time has come for the government to take decisive action and restore normality to the troubled Isi-Uzo Council Area.
“We are also urging the people of the area to begin to explore measures of defending themselves because Ndigbo is not known to the cowards,” the OYC President further stated.