Anyichuks Condemns Reprisal Killings In Anambra, Offers Humanitarian Assistance To Victims

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii (Anyichuks), has condemned the reprisal killings involving people of Ebonyi and Anambra States.

It could be recalled that the reprisals were occasioned by the earlier tragic murder of one Miss Mmesoma and other persons reported killed in the attack.

Following the tragic incident, Chief Odii offered to offset hospital bills of victims and donate food items to affected families and communities on both sides.

This was contained in a statement made available to Journalists in Enugu on Monday by Emma Igwe, the spokesperson of Chief Odii.

He said, “The attention of Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii (Anyichuks) has been drawn to the disturbing reports of reprisal killings involving people of Ebonyi and Anambra States following the tragic murder of Miss Mmesoma and the subsequent attacks that have reportedly claimed innocent lives.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate development and strongly condemn the killings, attacks and threats against innocent persons on both sides. There can never be any justification for taking innocent human lives under the guise of revenge.

“The murder of Mmesoma is condemnable, just as the reported killing of two Ebonyi men and the continued threats against other persons are equally unacceptable. Criminal responsibility must be individual, not collective. No community should be made to suffer for the alleged offence of an individual.” He said

Chief Odii appealed to the people of Anambra and Ebonyi States, particularly youths and community leaders, to exercise maximum restraint and resist every temptation to embark on reprisal attacks.

He also called on the Anambra State Government, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene and deploy all necessary security and administrative measures to stop the carnage, protect vulnerable residents and prevent further bloodshed.

He said, “As a demonstration of his commitment to humanity, peaceful coexistence and compassion beyond political, ethnic and geographical boundaries, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii (Anyichuks) is offering to offset hospital bills incurred by victims receiving treatment as a result of the violence on both sides”

“He is also offering to donate bags of rice and other essential food items to affected families and communities on both sides as an immediate humanitarian intervention to cushion the hardship arising from this unfortunate crisis.

“We urge Ebonyi people living in Anambra and Anambra people living in Ebonyi to remain calm, protect one another and refuse to be instruments of division in the hands of criminal elements”

Patience Ogbodo-Iwuagwu is a correspondent with Independent Newspapers.

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