- Says killing sacrilegious
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Following the simultaneous security challenges in Mbaise area of Imo State, where a traditional ruler, politician and two officers were killed, the entire clan under the aegis of the Ezuruezu Mbaise has appealed to the police not to take reprisal attack on its people.
This was contained in a statement released on Monday by the body.
The statement also urged the security agencies not to inflict any punishment collectively on its innocent people even as it described the killings as a sacrilege.
“We urge restraints on the part of the security agencies and appealed they desist from reprisal attacks or collective punishment of innocent people. Mbaise people are traumatised by the violence and equally victims of the violence.
“We feel the pains of Mbaise people who for a very long time have had to endure not only economic hardship but also harsh security environment.
The statement continued “Like all law abiding citizens, we are distressed by the escalating security situations and would like to further state that :
“We do not condone citizens taking law into their own hands and condemn in strongest terms unlawful violence by anyone against fellow citizens especially extra judicial killings.
“We condemn the murder of the two security officers, a traditional ruler and local political leader within a space of one week .
“The spilling of innocent blood is against the beliefs, cultural norms and practices of the people of Mbaise. We regard such spilling of blood as highest sacrilege.
“We condole with the commissioner of police ,Imo State ,the autonomous Community and the families and loved ones of the violence.
“We hereby call on all Mbaise people to remain calm and vigilant, but desist from any acts that might increase tension or lead to further escalation of violence.
“Mbaise is a blessed land . We are good ,hardworking, peace loving and law abiding people. We all have a stake in restoring Mbaise to glory as the homeland we all cherish and wish tolive in.
“Ezuruezu Mbaise will work with relevant stakeholders to brinh back peace to the Mbaise nation.”