By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed deep shock and utter dismay over the tragic report of the recent gruesome killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes residing in Ogboji, in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Nwifuru stated that that senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens was not only barbaric, but a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life.

According to the governor, it defied reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding meeting in a peaceful manner would be shot at, at a close range, saying that it is unacceptable. He frowned at such heinous act in its entirety.

The governor’s grievance was contained in a statement issued late on Tuesday night by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakalili.

The statement noted that Governor Nwifuru had reached out to his counterpart and brother, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and urged for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into this tragic incident.

He trusts that the government of Anambra State and relevant security agencies will work swiftly to apprehend and bring the perpetrators of the crime to book, as failure or compromise has the potency to come in between the relationship of both states.

While Governor Nwifuru awaits the outcome of these investigations, he has earnestly appealed to Ebonyi people, particularly the affected families and communities, to remain calm and refrain from any form of reprisal or actions that may escalate tensions.

"Such barbarism has no place in modernity and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings," the Governor assured

"The administration in Ebonyi State remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Ebonyi people both at home and in the diaspora," Nwifuru added.

While vowing that there would be no sacred cows, Governor Nwifuru assured that he will continue to follow the matter closely and ensure that justice is served.