Ekuma, who expressed deep displeasure over the development, called on Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to intensify efforts toward ensuring that those responsible for the killings are apprehended and brought to justice.
In a statement made available to journalists, the PDP chairman commended Governor Nwifuru for the steps already taken by his administration to restore peace and order in the affected community. However, he stressed that more decisive action was required to prevent a recurrence of such violence.
Condemning the incident, Ekuma said, “In strong terms, I want to condemn the avoidable and senseless bloodletting at Okporojo village in Oso Edda community of Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.”
He noted that any communal crisis that lingers for several months suggests the involvement of vested interests working behind the scenes to sustain the conflict.
“Any communal clash that has lasted between three to six months shows that there are stakeholders somewhere fanning the embers of violence. I commend the Governor for stepping into the matter and ensuring that calm and peace returned to the affected community,” he stated.
The PDP chairman further called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to uncover the real masterminds behind the killings, warning that superficial handling of the matter could lead to further bloodshed.
“We want the Governor to do more by taking steps to apprehend those perpetrating evil against their people. If this situation is handled only on the surface, it will pave the way for continuous occurrence. We cannot continue to have our people killed in situations that are clearly avoidable,” he said.
Ekuma also appealed to communities across the state to embrace peace and unity, emphasizing that meaningful development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of hatred, disaffection, and violence.
“Ebonyi State belongs to all of us, and we must ensure peace in every nook and cranny of the state. There is no gain in initiating actions that lead to the death of innocent people. We are already enjoying relative peace in Ebonyi State, and it must not be scuttled by mischief makers,” he added.
