Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has assured the people of Ebonyi that the federal government will ensure that they get justice over the recent killings in Ishielu LGA of the state.
At least 15 people were killed on March 31, when gunmen invaded some communities in the state.
The attacks took place in Nkalaha, Obegu, Amazu, Nkalagu, and Umuhuali communities in Ishielu LGA.
Residents had accused herders of carrying out the attacks, but the police have not confirmed the identities of the perpetrators.
In a visit to the state on Sunday, Osinbajo urged the people not to take justice into their hands because “nobody knows where it will end”.
“You have done the right thing by peacefully presenting the case to the authority; it is up to the government to seek justice,” he said.
“I want to say that it is a very deeply distressing development and I sympathise not just with the governor and the people of Ebonyi state but in particular the people of the community that have been affected.
“This whole community, a community that has lived with the (so-called) assailants for many years, what we have seen here is very cowardly and it must not be allowed in our country. It must not be allowed.
“What we must do to ensure this kind of thing does not repeat itself is to beef up security, that is very important.
The vice-president promised that the incident would never repeat itself, adding that the security within the state would be beefed up.
“Already, we are in conversation with the GOC, with the army about ensuring that there is more security around here. Of course, I am aware that the GOC has already made some provisions but obviously, there is a need for even more greater security,” he said.
“Local community themselves must be ready to give more information to all enforcement agencies so that appropriate steps can be taken in the event that anybody wants to do any further outbreak.
“Let me assure you that we will seek justice on behalf of those who have died not just because they were our neighbours but because they are human beings and they deserve justice. So far as it lies within our power, we will seek justice.”
Osinbajo also stated that the federal government would do its best to provide relief for affected families and communities.
