The Federal Government has appealed for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians following the killing of four herders at Agu-Ifite in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A delegation from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), led by the Head of its Enugu Operations Office, Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe, visited the affected community on a fact-finding and condolence mission.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Madukwe condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act, and stressed the need for communities to embrace peaceful coexistence to promote unity, security and national development.
She said the delegation was in the state to assess the situation firsthand, sympathise with the victims’ families and submit its findings to the Federal Government.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, urged members of the Hausa/Fulani community to remain calm and allow security agencies to conclude their investigation.
He reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to protecting all law-abiding residents and assured that those responsible for the killings would be identified and brought to justice.
The Deputy Director of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs. Ndidi Omega, also called for peace and pledged continued collaboration with NEMA in responding to emergencies across the state.
Responding on behalf of the Fulani community, the Deputy National Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, commended the Federal Government for its prompt intervention and urged members of the community to remain peaceful and avoid reprisals.
He appealed to security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the attack are apprehended and prosecuted, noting that justice would help preserve the longstanding peaceful relationship between the Fulani community and their host communities in Anambra State.
The assessment team also inspected the affected settlement, including burnt huts, as part of efforts to document the extent of the damage for submission to the Federal Government. Police personnel were present throughout the visit to provide security.
