Vacate S’East forests now, Igbo youths warn Fulani kidnappers

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Irked by the reoccurring insecurity challenges in the Southeast forests alleged to be perpetrated by some Fulani bandits pretending to be herdsmen, Igbo youths, under the umbrella of the

Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has issued a strong warning, ordering those behind the criminal act to vacate the Southeast forests or face their wrath.

President General of the youth groups, Goodluck Ibem, lamented that the increasing incidents of kidnapping, killings, robbery and abduction committed by these bandits have reached an alarming stage, maintaining that such can no longer be tolerated.

Making references to the recent incidents he said: “In Enugu State alone, within the past seven days, over 10 incidents of kidnapping, killings and robbery have occurred, wherein the Fulani kidnappers and terrorists stormed the villages of law-abiding citizens in the state to rob, dehumanise and abduct citizens of the state. This is the height of insult on our people and we condemn it in its entirety”.

The youths have also taken a proactive measure by calling on the governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, to immediately activate and provide logistics to youth groups at the various communities to guard and protect the forests against intruders and criminals, while also ensuring that these criminals face the music of their illicit actions.

Similarly, Ibem said: “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and heads of other security agencies to give matching orders to their men to arrest and prosecute those criminals who have made life unbearable for our people”.