South-East youths, under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has declared fire for fire against gunmen killing people in Anambra State. According to the group, any further attack by gunmen will be met with a commensurate counter-attack.
They also called on Governor Charles Soludo to immediately form security guards in the communities.
The coalition led by its President-General Goodluck Ibem, in a statement yesterday, condemned the gruesome murder of a lawmaker, Okechukwu Okoye.
The killing of the lawmaker on Saturday, the massacre of others on Sunday, and burning of security vehicles and a police station, heightened tension in the state.
The group said it would no longer fold its arms in the face of gun attacks.
“The umbrella body of all the youth groups in the Southeast geopolitical zone condemns in strongest terms the gruesome murder of Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, member representing Aguata 2 state constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly which is Governor Charles Soludo’s constituency.
“There are 7 others among whom are a mother and four of her children killed at Isulo, Orumba North Local Government Area, while the remaining two happened at Abatete in Idemili North. Another man was killed at Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“It is very unfortunate that some criminals and hoodlums want to turn Anambra State and Igboland into a killing field, but their plot will be dead on arrival.
“The murder of the lawmaker and seven others is a direct message to Governor Soludo and also a message by these criminals that they don’t want him to work for the release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody because his release will spoil their illicit business.
“We will no longer fold our arms and complain about the insecurity that has been brought to our doorsteps.
“Now is the time for all stakeholders, businessmen and women, youths, traditional rulers, and all those who have the interest of their home at heart to rise up and defend their homes and communities.
“We call on Governor Charles Soludo to immediately form “Anambra Youth Security Guard (AYSG)” and ensure that the security outfit is fully funded to secure and protect their communities.
“We want Governor Soludo to know that a war has been declared on him and his people and he has to remove his suit and tie to fight to defeat these hoodlums who have vowed to make his state ungovernable,” the group said.
