NEMA, SEMA, Awka South Mayor Visit Scene of Herders’ Killings, Call for Peace and Justice
By Chinyere Nwoye
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, have visited the scene of the recent killing of herders at Agu Ifite, Awka, to assess the situation and sympathise with the affected families.
The delegation visited the area on Wednesday, July 22, as part of efforts to obtain firsthand information on the incident and assess the extent of the damage for onward reporting to the Federal Government.
The assessment team was led by the Head of the NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe, who condemned the killings and described the incident as senseless and unfortunate.
She said the delegation was in the area on behalf of the Federal Government to commiserate with the families of the victims and advocate peaceful coexistence among communities.
Madukwe also prayed that such an incident would not occur again.
Addressing members of the Hausa and Fulani community, the Mayor of Awka South, Prince Chinedu Okafor, urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
He reaffirmed that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to live and work in any part of the country without fear or intimidation, stressing that Anambra State maintains a zero tolerance policy towards crime.
The Mayor assured the community that those responsible for the attack would be identified and brought to justice. He also appealed to members of the Hausa and Fulani community to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
The Deputy Director of SEMA, Mrs. Ndidi Omega, also appealed for peace and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims.
She said SEMA would submit its assessment report to the Anambra State Government while continuing to collaborate with NEMA in managing emergencies and mitigating crises across the state.
In his remarks, the leader of the Fulani community in Anambra State and Deputy National Director General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, commended the Mayor, NEMA and SEMA for their prompt response and visit to the affected community.
Siddiki said the immediate visit by government officials demonstrated leadership and compassion, adding that he would appeal to members of the Fulani community to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He said he had lived in Anambra State since 1986 and raised his family in the state, describing the people of the state as hospitable and peaceful. He stressed that criminal elements exist in every society and that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to judge an entire community.
Siddiki appealed to security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the killings, stressing that justice for the victims would help strengthen public confidence and preserve the longstanding peaceful relationship between the Fulani community and their host communities in Anambra State.
Ichie Times understands that the visit underscores the importance of a coordinated response by government agencies, local authorities and community leaders in promoting peace, supporting affected families and ensuring justice following the incident.
