Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has deeply condemned the killing of four persons in Oso community of Edda Local Government Area (LGA) during a renewed land dispute with a neighbouring community.

Oso had been embroiled in a land dispute with the Amasiri community of Afikpo North LGA as the renewed violence casts shadows over government’s effort to resolve it.

Mr Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Monday Uzor, on Friday, directed security agents to conduct thorough investigations into circumstances that led to the attack on  Oso community.

The governor described the attack as barbaric and a flagrant disregard to sanctity of human life.

“I received with shock, news of the recent attack on Oso community which claimed lives and led to destruction of properties.

“This act of callousness is a direct affront on our commitment to restore peace in our communities and we cannot tolerate it.

“The security of lives and properties  is of utmost importance for us as a government and no effort will be spared in getting to the root of this matter,” he noted.

Mr Nwifuru disclosed that he was  collaborating with law enforcement agents to arrest the perpetrators.

“I appeal to the affected community not to engage in reprisals.

“Law enforcement agents should take swift actions and mobilise fully to the area, to forestall re-occurrence or reprisals.

“My prayers and thoughts are with the families, who lost their loved ones and properties in the unfortunate incident,” he said.

He assured the families that they would not be left alone and urged communities in the state to always embrace peace and mutual co-existence.

“No development will thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction,” he said in the statement. 

(NAN)