Igbo think-tank Nzuko Umunna has expressed its deep shock and sadness at the news of the murder of notable politician Ahmed Gulak on his way to Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, by persons described as bandits by the Nigerian Police.

“We commiserate with the family of Dr. Gulak and his political associates in both the APC and the PDP. The memories of his outstanding contributions in both the Nigerian political and legislative spheres will be fondly remembered for a long time. May his soul rest in peace,” Nzuko Umunna said in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Media & Communications, Dr. Marcel Mbamalu, and Secretary, Mr. Ositadinma Agu.

The group condemned “this act of violence as totally reprehensible and yet another extension of the uncontrolled bloodletting in the country.”

“Such violent acts are not in the character of Imo people and go totally against the grain of the culture and way of life of the people of the region,” Nzuko Umunna said, adding:

“We strongly condemn this latest bloodletting which again signposts the unacceptable level of insecurity being experienced across various States and regions of the country.

“In particular, Nzuko Umunna decries the growing violence heightened by the region’s militarization and urge the Federal Government to remove the chokehold on the region. “Instead, the government should ensure a return to civic engagement rather than the settlement of disputes through the barrel of the gun.”