REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Director General of National Emergency Management Agency ,NEMA, Mrs Zubaid Umar has stressed the need for Nigerians to live peacefully irrespective of their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.
The Director General made the call when she led an assessment team on a visit to the scene of the recent killing of settlers at Agu-Ifite, Awka, in Anambra State.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the team comprises of some officials of National Emergency Management Agency, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and the Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area.
The Police command in Anambra State on Tuesday this week confirmed the death of four persons in Agu =Ifite , Awka during an attack by a yet to be identified persons
The visit by the team was to obtain first hand information about the incident, evaluate the level of destruction, recommend ways to assist the victims.
The NEMA DG who was represented by the Head of Operations, Enugu office Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe condemned the killings , noting that the delegation came on behalf of the Federal Government to commiserate with the families of the victims.
She described the incident as unfortunate and senseless and advocated peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians .
“There is nothing better than living peacefully with your neighbours. That is what we advocate for, peaceful coexistence among all communities. We are here to obtain firsthand information and report back to Abuja on what we have seen.
We pray that such an incident will never happen again”
The Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, urged the victims community to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies for a thorough investigation to be conducted into the incident.
He gave an assurance that those responsible for the attack would be identified and brought to justice.
" As the Commissioner of Police has already stated, investigations are ongoing and we must get to the root of this unfortunate incident. I appeal to the Hausa/Fulani community to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies. Before long, those behind this act will be arrested and made to face the law,"The leader of the Fulani community in Anambra State and Deputy National Director-General of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, commended the prompt visit by the federal government through NEMA and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency as well as the Chairman Awka South Local Government to the victims.
He appealed to security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
” I have lived in Anambra State since 1986 and has raised my family in the state, Igbo people are hospitable and peaceful but the criminal elements exist in every society and the actions of a few individuals should not be used to judge an entire community”
The Deputy Director of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency,Mrs Ndidi Omega, also appealed for peace in the affected area and prayed for the reposed of the souls of the victims.
