The senator representing Anambra North in the national assembly, Stella Adaeze Odua has said the recent spate of violence that has taken center stage in Anambra North, is a grave issue that must be roundly condemned by every right thinking person.
Odua in a statement she personally signed and made available to Standardobservers said the rising insecurity that has seen innocent lives lost and properties destroyed, must never be allowed to become the norn.
“I condemn in unequivocal terms the killings at Igbariam and general unrest at the Aguleri, Umueri, Nteje, Awkuzu and Umunya axis whilst calling on the Anambra State and Federal Governments to expedite action in living up to their sworn responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of citizens by thoroughly investigating and putting an end to it.
“There really should be no place for violence in Anambra as our culture and tradition not only abhors bloodletting but all religions are agreed on the sacredness of human life .
“I firmly believe that this is no time to shy away from whatever underlying issues that may be fuelling this anomaly and government must take urgent steps to address them.
“It should be recalled that the 8th and 9th Assembly of which I was an active participant, did some very extensive work that resulted in a very robust security review document and I am urging the Executive arm to take urgent steps in reviewing and implementing it.
“Insecurity has some roots in the poverty and structural imbalances that continue to stare us in the face and when we consider that the youth demographic is increasingly high with unemployment and closure of factories becoming the order of the day, this is surely a recipe for disaster as we have currently seen with schools being attacked and trainings non existent.
“As a mother, I am appalled at the loss of innocent lives and plead with those responsible to sheathe their swords in the interest of peace and the general well-being of our people.
“Once again, I join all lovers of Peace in demanding that Government step up its game by thoroughly investigating this unfortunate and deadly trend with a view to ensuring it is quickly nipped in the bud.
“I sympathize with the wounded, the displaced and families of victims whilst expressing a fervent hope that this evil whirlwind of bloodletting be brought to an end”.
