The Anambra State Government has condemned the killing of Ebonyi indigenes in the Ogboji area of the Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor.

It said it was “deeply saddened by the recent killing of innocent lives,” stating, however, that it was “not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group”.

“The Anambra State Government is deeply saddened by the recent killing of innocent lives at Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area. The government strongly condemns this dastardly act in the strongest possible terms and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

“We want to assure the good people of Anambra and beyond that this incident was not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group. Preliminary investigations suggest that the unfortunate incident may have stemmed from an internal squabble.”

The government assured the people of Ogboji and the entire state that it would do everything humanly possible to ensure justice.

The statement read In part, “The government expects the police command to conduct a thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and bring them to justice. The government assures the people of Ogboji and the entire state that we will do everything humanly possible to ensure justice is served.

“We urge all residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended. We will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in our great state.”

The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, had condemned the alleged killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra and called for a swift investigation into the matter.

According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Monday Uzor and obtained by Channels Television, Governor Nwifuru described the killing of the indigenes residing in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra as shocking.

They were allegedly killed during their monthly town union meeting held last Monday.

Nwifuru said such an unprovoked attack on law-abiding citizens who were simply holding a community meeting was an affront to humanity and peace.

“This senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens is not only barbaric but a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life.

“It defies reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a meeting in a peaceful manner will be shot at close range. It is unacceptable, and I frown strongly at such a heinous act in its entirety,” he said.

According to the statement, the governor has promptly reached out to his Anambra State counterpart, Charles Soludo, calling for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation.

He expressed trust that the government of Anambra State and relevant security agencies would work swiftly to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He said that failure to deliver justice could strain the relationship between Ebonyi and Anambra.

“While Governor Nwifuru awaits the outcome of these investigations, he has earnestly appealed to Ebonyi people, particularly the affected families and communities, to remain calm and refrain from any form of reprisal or actions that may escalate tensions.

“Such barbarism has no place in modernity, and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings,” he assured. (Channels TV)