The group urged Mbaise people to remain calm and vigilant but desist from actions that may raise tension or further escalate violence.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The apex socio-cultural organisation in charge of the three local government areas in Mbaise, Imo State, known as Ezuruezu Mbaise has condemned the spate of violence in Mbaise in recent days.
In a statement on Monday, the group, under the leadership of its President General Surveyor Joe Anosike, said it was distressed by the escalating insecurity in the area, urging security operatives to take action speedily.
The statement said, “In recent weeks, we have seen an escalation in violence in Mbaise. An already bad security situation has become worse and we are concerned.”
The group listed the latest reported incidents to include: “The assassination of the PDP chairman of Ife/Akpodim/Chokoneze Ward of Ezinihitte, Hon. Smith Chiedoziem Anyanwu on Friday, November 24, 2023.
“The abduction on Saturday November 25 2023 of Eze J. B. Ochulor, the traditional ruler of Otulu Amumara Autonomous Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA. Sadly, he was found shot dead on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
“The killing on Monday, December 27, 2023 of two police officers at Ahiara Junction, Mbaise.
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“The killing of a young man also at Ahiara Junction on Monday, December 27, 2023 following the shooting of the police officers.”
Ezuruezu Mbaise also said it recalled, with anguish, the murder on July 7, 2023 of Eze James Ndubuisi Nnamdi, traditional ruler of Nguru Nweke Autonomous Community.
The group urged the authorities and stakeholders to forestall further escalation of violence.
“We do not condone citizens taking the law into their hands, and condemn in the strongest terms unlawful violence by anyone against fellow citizens, especially extra-judicial killings.
“We condemn the dastardly murders of the two security officers, a traditional ruler, and a local political leader within a space of one week.
“We urge restraint on the part of security agencies and appeal that they desist from reprisal attacks or collective punishment of innocent people. Mbaise people are traumatized by the violence and are equally victims of the violence,” the statement added.
The group urged Mbaise people to remain calm and vigilant but desist from actions that may raise tension or further escalate violence.