The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians to ensure unity, security, and development of the country.

The head of NEMA, Enugu operations office, Priscilla Madukwe, made the call on Thursday in Agu-Ifite, Awka South Local Government Area (LGA), of the state.

Ms Madukwe led an assessment team of the federal government on a fact-finding visit overthe murder of four herders on Tuesday in the area.

Suspected armed men stormed the cattle camp of Aminu Mohammed in Agu-Ifite in Awka South Local Government Area, killing four herders on Tuesday.

Condemning the incident, describing it as “senseless killing,” and saying, “There is nothing better than living peacefully with your neighbours.

“That is what we advocate for: peaceful coexistence among all communities. We are here to obtain firsthand information and report back to Abuja on what we have seen. We pray that such an incident will never happen again.”

Also addressing members of the Hausa/Fulani community, chairman, Awka South LGA, Chinedu Okafor, urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.

Mr Okafor noted that every Nigerian had the constitutional right to live and work in any part of the country without fear or intimidation.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against crime.

“I appeal to the Hausa/Fulani community to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies. Before long, those behind this act will be arrested and made to face the law,” he said.

Earlier, deputy director, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ndidi Omega, also appealed for peace.

Mr Omega said that SEMA would submit its assessment report to the state government while continuing to collaborate with NEMA in managing emergencies and mitigating crises.

Responding, Gidado Siddiki, leader of the Fulani community in the state and deputy national director-general, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), commended the team for their prompt visit and show of concern.

Mr Siddiki, who said that in the past, government officials rarely visited affected communities immediately after such incidents, appealed to members of the Fulani community to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands.

The Fulani leader said that criminal elements existed in every society and stressed that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to judge an entire community.

He appealed to security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings wereapprehended and prosecuted.

The assessment team inspected the affected settlement and captured the burnt huts during the assessment as part of its documentation of the incident.

Members of the Nigeria Police Force were also on the ground during the assessment visit to provide security and support throughout the exercise.

(NAN)