Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed deep shock and utter dismay over the tragic killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes residing in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The governor described the incident as a "senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens" that was not only barbaric but a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life.
According to Nwifuru, it defied reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a meeting in a peaceful manner would be shot at close range. He emphasized that such an attack was completely unacceptable.
Governor's Response and Actions
In a statement issued late Tuesday night by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, it was revealed that Governor Nwifuru had reached out to his Anambra State counterpart, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, urging for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the tragic incident.
The Ebonyi governor expressed confidence that the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies would work swiftly to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that any failure or compromise could strain the relationship between both states.
"Such barbarism has no place in modernity and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings," the statement quoted Governor Nwifuru as saying.
Call for Calm
While awaiting the outcome of investigations, Governor Nwifuru has earnestly appealed to Ebonyi people, particularly the affected families and communities, to remain calm and refrain from any form of reprisal or actions that may escalate tensions.
He assured that his administration remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Ebonyi people both at home and in the diaspora, vowing that there would be "no sacred cows" in the pursuit of justice for the victims.
The governor promised to continue following the matter closely to ensure that justice is served for the slain Ebonyi indigenes.
This incident comes amid reports that gunmen opened fire at a meeting venue in Anambra, with some sources indicating that as many as 19 people may have been killed in the attack.
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