The leadership of Association of South East Town Unions(ASETU) yesterday condemned in a very strong term the attack on unarmed Pro-Biafra group in Enugu.
The group in a statement issued in Owerri, signed by Chief Emeka Diwe and Hon Gideon Adikwuru as National President and Secretary respectively expressed dismay at the sad development and urged the Federal Government to investigate the remote cause of the killing of unarmed protesters.
The release reads,”We are deeply worried over the gory images and videos of the bodies of unarmed civilians, alleged to be members of pro-Biafra groups, reportedly shot dead by security agencies and littering the streets of Emene in Enugu State. Whatever their offences might have been, we insist that a republic, to which Nigeria lays claims, must be run on the basis of law and constitutionalism, and the law enforcement agencies must at all times respect the rights of the citizens and observe rules of engagement.
It is further perplexing that despite the deafening hues and cries from our people over the killings, rape, destruction and havoc levied on us by Fulani herdsmen, there has never been any clash between the herdsmen and security agencies, neither have the agencies demonstrated any seriousness in tackling the problem. No progressive nation thrives on double standards and injustice. We reject completely the killing of Igbo people, no matter the pretext or guise under which it occurs.
Nigeria is currently engulfed in countless security challenges. These same security agencies, who have now found the temerity, strength and latitude to murder unarmed citizens in Enugu have displayed helplessness in containing more vociferous security challenges like the banditry, kidnapping and insurgency in parts of the country. Instead, what we see are insurgents, terrorists and bandits being pampered and invited for banquets in Government Houses, and even flown abroad for luxurious lives after which they are reintegrated into the society.
We therefore call on the Federal Government to promptly set up a judicial panel of inquiry to ascertain the causes of the massacre in Enugu, and urge both the pro-Biafra agitators and security agencies to apply restraint, civility, professionalism and respect for human lives in all their activities.
Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims of this totally reprehensible incident. The South East Governors should immediately rise to the occasion and respond to the longstanding demand of our people for a regional security architecture that can protect the lives and property of our people”.
