Federal lawmakers from the entire five states in the South-east have condemned in strong terms, the rising wave of violence in the zone and killings of operatives of government institutions.
The lawmakers in a jointly signed statement in Abuja, Sunday, specifically frowned at repeated attacks being visited on Police formations, offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) and correctional centres in the zone by unknown arsonists and gunmen.
Perpetrators of the attacks and killings, according to the federal lawmakers, are not in anyway, fighting the cause of the Igbos who are not known for such dastardly acts .
They called on the Inspector – General of Police and other heads of security agencies, to dig deep into the violence and those behind it.
The statement reads: ” 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.
“Igbo are not known to kill or waste lives. Igbo are not known for this unfortunate violent disposition, no matter the provocation.
“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 South east.”
