By Christiana Onuoha
A non-governmental organisation, Victims of Persecution, has urged the Nigerian government to bring the perpetrators of the gruesome killing of 16 persons in Ebonyi State to justice.
Suspected herdsmen had on Monday night, unleashed mayhem in three communities of Ishielu Local Government Area of the State.
A statement signed by the rapporteur, Victims of Persecution, Mr. Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), said the organisation was horrified by the “slaughtering of scores of defenseless women, children and people from Nkalaha, Obegu, Amazu Nkalagu, Umuhuali Autonomous Communities in Ishielu L.G.A, Ebonyi State by A-K 47 bearing foreign marauders/mercenaries and Herdsmen.”
The organisation reminded the Federal Government of its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“The constitutional duties of the Military is to ward off armed invasion of any part and territory of Nigeria while the Police and the para-militaries are to ensure that public law and order are ensured in the Country. How come these foreign mercenaries are having unfettered field days in our Country?
“We, of the Victims of Persecution are asking: in the face of these armed invasions and insurrections by these foreign killers/herdsmen and occupiers, why is the Government appearing helpless, inactive or unperturbed.
“The constant murdering of villagers and occupation of their father-land without decisive repulsion by the Government is beginning to paint a dirty colour of condonation of the activities of these foreign marauders.
“Indigenes are now becoming the internally displaced persons in their own ancestral lands in Nigeria,” the statement read in part.
While condoling with the governor and people of Ebonyi State, Mr. David Umahi, the organisation said, “We demand that the necessary authorities to do the needful.”
