The United Igbo Elders has called for a comprehensive probe into the recent killings of youths in Awo-Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
About 14 youths said to be wedding guests were reportedly killed by state-owned security operatives, Ebubeagu Security Network in the area
The elders group also urged the respective governments in the five states of the South East to create synergy in bid to stem the rate of insecurity in the area.
This is according to a statement by its National Coordinator, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, and the acting National Publicity Secretary, Dr Harford Ugwu.
The group lamented that the unfortunate episodes that have befallen the Igbo nation in recent times call for cooperative spirit in handling it.
They appealed to aggrieved persons and groups to remain calm.
The statement read in part, “Our whole aim is that security of lives and property in Igbo land shall be the unified efforts of the states, to end internal strife as we protect ourselves from external aggression, through inter-state collaboration.
“We therefore, call on the security operatives to leave no stone unturned, in their investigations to uncover the culprits of this abominable and atrocious Awo-Omamma massacre. We want them to be brought to book.
“We appeal to the youth, our mothers in agony, father’s in distress, perplexed leaders and all concerned, to please not resort to jungle justice as two wrongs can never make a right.
“We are requesting that the Igbo governors, in a joint effort with the elders’, leaders of thought and our mothers in agony for the pollution in our land, to come to a round table to plan on how to protect the people they are leading
“We must not continue to act as if we are different entities. God shall help us to rise as one family that we are, to be our brothers’ keeper.
“If any member of the family is crying, the others may be sorrowfully touched to rise for the rescue. It will be expedient if we can, from now, strive to pull our resources together in unity as Ndigbo, to stand with any member in distress.”
“Serious efforts are being made, God helping us, to jointly stop this segregation that is eating deep into our consciousness. We are already on the move to achieving this goal for our race and the nation.”
