Thirteen lives lost in a sudden attack have left Ebonyi grieving and demanding urgent answers.
Governor Nwifuru calls for justice as tensions rise between Ebonyi and Anambra communities.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has strongly condemned the reported killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji, located in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement released late Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru described the attack as both shocking and deeply disturbing. He said the victims were peaceful citizens who had gathered for a meeting before they were allegedly gunned down at close range.
Expressing his outrage, the governor said, “It defied reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding meeting in a peaceful manner would be shot at a close range,” adding that such an act was “barbaric” and “a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life.”
Governor Nwifuru confirmed that he had spoken with Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, urging a prompt and transparent investigation. He called on Anambra authorities and security agencies to move swiftly in arresting the attackers and ensuring justice is served.
He warned that failure to address the matter decisively could strain the cordial relationship between the two neighboring states. “Such barbarism has no place in modernity,” Nwifuru said, assuring that the government would use all lawful means to identify and prosecute those behind the attack.
While awaiting the outcome of investigations, the governor appealed to residents of Ebonyi, especially those directly affected, to stay calm and avoid any actions that might further escalate the situation.
Governor Nwifuru also reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Ebonyi people everywhere. “The administration in Ebonyi State remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Ebonyi people both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.
Promising that there would be no cover-up, he stressed that the matter would be closely monitored and justice would not be denied.
