The Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has condemned the alleged killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra State.
He, however, called for calm, and a swift investigation into the matter.
His Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Monday Uzor, said Governor Nwifuru described the killing of the indigenes residing in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra as shocking.
Reports allege that they were killed during their monthly town union meeting held last Monday.
Nwifuru said such an unprovoked attack on law-abiding citizens, who were simply holding a community meeting, is an affront to humanity and peace.
“This senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens is not only barbaric but a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life.
“It defies reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a meeting in a peaceful manner will be shot at close range. It is unacceptable, and I frown strongly at such a heinous act in its entirety,” he said.
According to the statement, the governor has promptly reached out to his Anambra State counterpart, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, calling for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation.
He expressed optimism that the government of Anambra State and relevant security agencies would work swiftly to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said that failure to deliver justice could strain the relationship between Ebonyi and Anambra.
“While Governor Nwifuru awaits the outcome of these investigations, he 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.
“Such barbarism has no place in modernity, and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings,” he assured.
Nwifuru said he remained committed to protecting the lives and property of Ebonyi people both at home and in the Diaspora.
While stating that there are no sacred cows, the governor assured he would continue to follow the matter closely and ensure that justice is served.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the entire Ebonyi community in Ogboji, hoping that the Anambra State government and security agencies will act decisively to ensure that justice is served and to prevent such atrocities from recurring,” he added.