Osinbajo says Ebonyi massacre unacceptable, promises justice for victims

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, has decried the killing of 22 rural dwellers by Fulani herdsmen in four communities of Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, saying it is sad and unacceptable.

He said the action could not be defended, adding that the Federal Government would ensure justice for the victims.

Osinbajo said this on Sunday at the Ebonyi stakeholders’ forum held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.

He also said the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Services and Disaster Management would provide relief materials for the victims to cushion the negative impact of the incident.

The VP also visited the troubled communities of Effiu/ Ezza-Effium Communities of Ohaukwu Local Government Area and Egedege Community where the Ebonyi rural dwellers were killed in the Ishielu LGA.

He said, “We condole with the people of Ebonyi over the killing in Egedege. We are very concerned where innocent people were slaughtered. This killing must be condemned in the strongest terms. Nobody can defend these killings. It is sad, unacceptable; the killings are unacceptable. We must ensure that they are prosecuted.

“It is our responsibility as governments at all levels; the local community leaders of Egedege Community were able to get facts which will be used to get those who committed this crime. We will maintain peace in all the communities; aside from seeking justice, we will beef up security in the community. We need to ensure that relief of some sort will be mobilized to provide for those displaced. That’s in the short term. We will make sure that there’s compensation for those affected.

“If we don’t want people to resort to self help, we must ensure that our responsibility as government in the protection of lives and properties is carried out. Let’s be patient as much as possible. Across the country, there are lots of flash points.

“I agree with you that there is a great deal of pain and such cannot be assuaged by revenge or retaliation. The poor suffer more than anyone else. Let’s maintain peace. I will assure the commitment of government that such thing will not happen again.

“The duty of leaders is an onerous task. We will ensure that every Community is treated fairly and justly. We are committed to ensuring justice, equity and fairness. No profit in war and trouble.”

In his remarks, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, who described the killing of the innocent Ebonyi citizens in the Ishielu LGA as unprovoked, demanded proper investigation into the incident.