Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has promised to support the families of traders killed during last week’s attack at the new Omuma-Uzo Cattle Market.

Mr Ikpeazu on Monday received leaders of the Hausa community in Aba, as well as Hausa leaders from Gombe and Adamawa.

”The state government will provide some form of support for families of those who lost their lives during the attack and take care of the medical bills of the injured,” the governor was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide Onyebuchi Ememanka.

He restated his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of all residents, irrespective of tribe or religion.

“Because there cannot be any form of sustainable development in an unsecured environment,” he said.

Mr Ikpeazu said that the same peace philosophy was behind the government’s resolve to pay compensation to farmers or herdsmen who lost crops or cows, after proper assessment.

He said that he recognised the need for peaceful co-existence between the indigenes and businessmen from other states who were in the state to transact legitimate businesses.

”Every necessary step would be taken to avert future occurrences of such dastardly actions,” he assured.

The governor advised members of the Hausa community to feel free to interact with the people without fear, saying that his administration was capable of protecting their lives and property.

Mr Ikpeazu further said that the attack affected not just Hausa traders, saying that some of the victims were Igbo people.

“The impression that only Hausa people were in the business of selling cows is wrong,” he said.

(NAN)