Governor Francis Nwifuru has urged relevant authorities to arrest and prosecute those who reportedly killed 13 Ebonyi indigenes, holding their town union meeting in Anambra.

An online video which circulated on July 1 showed the mangled bodies of the victims at Ogboji in Orumba South LGA of Anambra.

Mr Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Monday Uzor, expressed deep shock and utter dismay over the incident on Wednesday.

The governor, in the statement, said he had contacted his Anambra counterpart, Charles Soludo, for a thorough investigation into the matter.

“I trust the Anambra government and relevant security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. Failure to do so or compromise is capable of affecting the relationship between both states,” the governor said.

He said the act was a senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens and a direct assault on the peace, unity, and sanctity of human life.

“The close-range shooting of Ebonyi people holding their meeting in a peaceful manner defies all reason and logic. I strongly condemn this heinous and unacceptable act in its entirety,” he noted.

Mr Nwifuru appealed to the people of Ebonyi, particularly the affected families and communities, to remain calm as he awaits the outcome of the investigations.

“They should refrain from any reprisal action that may escalate tensions. Barbarism has no place in modernity, and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings.

“The Ebonyi government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of its people, at home and in the diaspora,” he added.

(NAN)