Press Release On The Security Situation In Mbaise
In recent weeks we have seen an escalation in violence in Mbaise. An already bad security situation has become worse, and we are concerned. The latest reported incidents include:
(i) The assassination of the PDP Chairman of Ife/Akpodim/Chokoneze Ward of Ezinihitte, Hon. Smith Chiedoziem Anyanwu on Friday November 24, 2023.
(ii) The abduction on Saturday November 25, 2023, of Eze J. B. Ochulor, the Traditional Ruler of Otulu Amumara Autonomous Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA. Sadly, he was found shot dead on Sunday November 26, 2023.
(iii) The killing on Monday November 27, 2023, of two Police Officers at Ahiara Junction, Mbaise.
(iv) The killing of a young man also at Ahiara junction on Monday November 27, 2023
following the shooting of the police officers.
We recall, with anguish, the murder on July 17, 2023, of Eze James Ndubuisi Nnamdi,
Traditional Ruler of Nguru Nweke Autonomous Community.
Like all law-abiding citizens, we are distressed by the escalating security situation and would like to further state that:
(i) We do not condone citizens taking the law into their hands, and condemn in the
strongest terms unlawful violence by anyone against fellow citizens, especially extra-judicial killings.
(ii) We condemn the dastardly murders of the two security officers, a Traditional Ruler, and a local political leader within a space of one week.
(iii) The spilling of innocent blood is against the beliefs, cultural norms, and practices of the people of Mbaise. We regard such spilling of blood as the highest sacrilege.
(iv) We condole with the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, the autonomous communities, and the families and loved ones of the victims of the violence.
(v) We urge that steps be taken by the relevant authorities and other stakeholders to
forestall further escalation of violence.
(vi) Pursuant to (v) above, we urge restraint on the part of security agencies and appeal that they desist from reprisal attacks or collective punishment of innocent people. Mbaise people are traumatized by the violence and are equally victims of the violence.
(vii) We feel the pain of Mbaise people who, for very long, have had to endure not only economic hardship but also a harsh security environment.
(viii) We hereby call on all Mbaise people, to remain calm and vigilant, but desist from any acts that might increase tension or lead to further escalation of violence.
Mbaise is a blessed land. We are good, hardworking, peace-loving, and law-abiding people. We all have a stake in restoring Mbaise to glory as the homeland we all cherish and wish to live in.
Ezuruezu will work with all relevant stakeholders to bring back peace to the Mbaise Nation.
Thank you.
Ezuruezu Mbaise
National Headquarters,
Ezuruezu House,
Aboh Mbaise LGA HQ,
P. O. Box 348,
Nkwogwu, Mbaise, Imo State.
ezuruezumbaise@yahoo.com
Signed:
Ezuruezu Mbaise
Monday November 27, 2023
