By Victor Nwegede
Lawmakers from Ebonyi State in the National Assembly have strongly condemned the brutal killing of over 10 indigenes of the state in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State during a town union meeting last Monday.
In a statement on Wednesday, Senator Nwebonyi said, “The unprovoked massacre of innocent Ebonyi citizens by yet-to-be-identified assailants must not go unpunished.
"This heinous act is a direct attack on peace and human dignity.
"I urge the Anambra State Government and security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended swiftly.”
He further expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and those injured in the attack, which reportedly occurred during a routine monthly meeting of the community members.
Commending Ebonyi State Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his swift reaction, the senator affirmed that the Ebonyi Caucus in the Senate would work closely with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to push for legislative actions aimed at preventing future occurrences.
Senator Nwebonyi also appealed for calm among Ebonyians and cautioned against any form of retaliatory action, assuring that security agencies were actively handling the matter.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also taken a firm position on the killings, with members from Ebonyi State raising a motion of urgent national importance.
The motion, moved by Hon. Idu Igariwey (Afikpo/Edda) and jointly supported by Hon. Chinedu Ogah (Ikwo/Ezza South) and Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze (Ebonyi/Ohaukwu), highlighted the risk of interstate tension if the issue is not properly addressed.
Igariwey, who led the motion, warned that “allowing such targeted violence to go unchecked could trigger retaliatory actions and heighten communal mistrust.”
The motion received unanimous support from members of the lower chamber after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
The lawmakers called on the federal government and all relevant security agencies to intensify investigations, ensure the safety of citizens, and work collaboratively to avert further violence.
As investigations continue, both the Senate and House of Representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that justice is served and the sanctity of life upheld across the federation.
