Chijioke Edeoga, the Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State, has condemned the recent series of attacks by herders on communities within the state.
The areas affected include Ikem, Eha-Amufu, Isi Uzo LG, and Uzo Uwani, where innocent civilians have been subjected to violence and loss of life.
In a statement addressing the alarming situation on Wednesday, Edeoga expressed concerns over the senseless loss of lives and harm inflicted on innocent citizens, stating that such acts of violence are intolerable and represent grave violations of peace and security.
Stressing that the government is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, Edeoga called on both the Enugu State and Federal governments to take immediate and decisive action to protect the people from further atrocities, stating that failure to do so amounts to a betrayal of trust and incompetence.
He said:
“The recent attacks on the people of Ikem, Eha-Amufu, Isi Uzo LG, and most recently the people of Uzo Uwani, in Enugu State by herdsmen are deplorable acts of violence that cannot be tolerated.
“The senseless loss of lives and the infliction of harm upon innocent civilians are affronts to humanity and grave violations of peace and security.
“I call upon both the Enugu State and Federal governments to take immediate and decisive action to protect the people from such atrocities.
“It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, and any failure to do so is a betrayal of trust and an exhibition of incompetence,” he said, urging the authorities to swiftly investigate this heinous act and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said those responsible for instigating fear and perpetrating violence should be held accountable for their actions, and justice should be served to restore faith in the rule of law and prevent further bloodshed.
Highlighting the plight of communities in Eha-Amufu, Edeoga said:
It is concerning that farmlands in Eha-Amufu are still occupied by bandits, making it difficult for the people who survive mainly on farm produce to thrive. This situation exacerbates the suffering of the affected communities and underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of insecurity.
He also stated that the multiple attacks by herdsmen should serve as stark reminders that more needs to be done by the relevant federal authorities to ensure the safety of citizens across the country. He pointed out that the recurrent nature of these attacks showed the inadequacies in Nigeria’s security infrastructure and demands for quick action.
Expressing solidarity with the victims of the attacks, Edeoga offered condolences to those who have been injured, extending sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, as he called on Nigerians to condemn violence and demand justice for the victims of the attacks.
“Together, we must stand united against hatred and division and work towards building a society where peace and harmony prevail,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, earlier today, women in Adani Community took to the streets to protest the ongoing killings. They expressed their grievances while calling for prompt intervention.