The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), has condemned the killing of eight northern cattle traders in Abia State.
Gunmen had stormed the cattle market on Tuesday night, killed eight traders and injured many others.
The AYCF, in a statement by its national chairman, Yerima Shettima, said the killing of the traders was a cowardly act.
“As a group we are still deeply concerned about the murder of Northerners resident in Abia, who are doing legitimate business.
“We are also deeply touched by the report of scores of others sustaining various degrees of injuries and have now been hospitalized.
“Pursuant to this development, we in the AYCF, wish to state as follows:
“1. We condemn in totality this dastardly attack on innocent citizens from the North trading to earn a living.
“2. We welcome the prompt response of security agencies and the Abia State Government for going after the killers and rushing the injured ones to the hospital.
“3.We urge the Abia State Government to pursue its promise to bring the killers to book, in the spirit of national unity and stability.
“4. The AYCF will be following closely the efforts of Abia State Government to fulfill its promise of providing compensation for the families and survivors of the attack
“5. We pray this should be the last bad news we would hear about innocent Northern traders, from not just Abia but the entire Southeast, in the spirit of national unity and stability.”
Abia State Government had confirmed that gunmen killed eight traders at the New Cattle Market in Omumauzor in Ukwa West Council on Tuesday.
A statement by the Information and Strategy Commissioner, Eze Chikamnayo, confirmed the killings took place about 11:35pm.
The Commissioner said that yet-to-be identified hoodlums perpetrated the heinous act.
“Government responded swiftly by mobilising the various security agencies to the scene that night to secure the life and property of the innocent traders and fish out the assailants,” the Commissioner explained
He said “this was followed up this morning” by a team comprising Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s Chief of Staff ACB Agbazuere, Trade and Investment Commissioner John Kalu, Homeland Security Commissioner Sopuruchi Bekee, and Ukwa West Council Chairman Okey Kanu, accompanied by Police Commissioner Janet Agbede.
Chikamnayo added: “We are shocked and saddened by this mindless and barbaric act of violence that claimed the lives of about 8 innocent citizens of our great country and we totally condemn this dastardly act together with it’s wicked perpetrators.
“We are working assiduously to provide succour to the families of the victims. Those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical attention.
“We have equally started the immediate relocation of the traders while working out compensation for lost properties. We shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that the evil perpetrators are brought to justice.
“While waiting for the outcome of ongoing investigations by our diligent security forces, … Ikpeazu together with all Abians pray for God to grant the families of victims the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“We urge all citizens of our great country in Abia State to remain law abiding and promptly report any suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities.”
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