By Kamsi Anayo
Chief Nkanu Anari, a member of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council has cautioned the outlawed IPOB/ESN against killing of security personnel and destruction government facilities in South East region.
Chief Anari, the Clan Head of Itakonghor, Eval kpokor de 5th, and Chairman Igbo Imabana traditional Rulers council in Abi Local govt. Area, Cross River state was reacting to the recent killing, burning of police stations and INEC facilities, amongst others in the South East geo-political zone.
According to him, in particular, was the killing of one of their sons, Inspector Amori Ekoro, who was shot dead in the burning of police station and vehicles at Awada-Obosi near Onitsha on Feb. 20.
Ekoro was killed during attack by gunmen at Awada police station in Onitsha, the commercial town of Anambra State.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the station, an inspector and a newly recruited police constable were said to have been killed in the early morning attack.
Also, three of the hoodlums were gunned down in exchange of gun fire with policemen.
Chief Anari expressed dismay over the attack on some police stations and other government facilities particularly in Anambra state which “claimed the life of our son, Inspector Ekoro.”
He urged the traditional rulers, political stakeholders and governors of southeast to urgently address the ugly situation in the interest of peace and continuity of cordial existence with other states in the southern Nigeria.
“Enough should be enough towards this dreaded act,” he said.
According to him, the struggle for Biafran Republic is subject to be addressed under due process and rule of law in the International Court of Justice, and should be devoid of attack on government facilities, the police and military bases.
“Assuming the South East, South South and South West are to be recognised as one entity, must brothers be killing each other.
“After the amalgamation of Nigeria, we agreed to live as one entity with the freedom of movement, expression, religion and hospitality to love one another in every part of Nigeria.
“It is for this reason, indigenes of the South East geo-political zone are being accommodated in other parts of the states, especially in Cross River state without victimisation or humiliation.
“I wonder why our children who went in search of greener pastures in southeast are murdered on daily basis especially those in the military and police in form IPOB attack,” Anari said.
The monarch also called for peaceful transition to civil rule, while appealing for the support of Nigerians to enable INEC and all the stakeholders achieve the feat.
