An association, Mbano National Assembly, USA Inc., has appealed to the federal government to wade in and unravel the cause of the attack on security personnel by unknown gunmen in Mbano, in Imo.

The association said this in a statement on Thursday, signed by its national president, Basil Njoku, secretary general Obioma Iwuagwu, and national public relations officer Nze Ekpe.

The association condemned the reported attack on security forces in Umualumaku Ehime Mbano.

“Mbano communities are known for peace and their hospitality. Whatever is the root cause of these incessant bloodshed and destruction in our land must be addressed. We appeal to the state and federal governments to urgently investigate the issue,” said the association.

It added, “The government has all the resources to bring this situation to an end. Politicians must know that without the citizens, they have no one to govern; therefore, all political actors in Mbano and Imo in general must come together and show leadership.”

The association stressed that “nothing is more important now than the security of our communities. A stakeholder must have something to stake, be part of the solution to secure our homeland,” urging the government to unravel the causes of the violent attack.

It also urged the government to intervene to guard against future attacks to protect the lives and property of the residents.

“The Mbano National Assembly Inc. views the wanton destruction of lives under any disguise as untenable and must be condemned by all peace-loving citizens,” the statement explained. “We wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of the officers while we abhor in the strongest terms these killings.”

The association noted that “it is counterproductive to destroy businesses and homes of the vulnerable in these communities,” with the poor in the area bearing the “brunt in this harsh economic climate.” 

“They are equally victims and need to be rescued as their communities have been taken over,” the association said.

Mbano is a community in Imo with a landmass spanning two local government areas, namely Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano.

(NAN)