Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says it is the responsibility of governors and other political leaders to maintain peace just as Governor David Umahi admits that preventing another deadly attack in Ebonyi is beyond his power as the chief security officer.

“Our duty as political leaders is to maintain absolute peace in areas where we serve as leaders,” said Mr Osinbajo.

He stated this on Sunday in Abakaliki while addressing stakeholders after inspecting affected communities.

Mr Osinbajo and his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, have struggled to rein in rampaging bandits and Boko Haram since they assumed office in 2015.

Speaking about his inability to forestall future violent attacks, Mr Umahi told Mr Osinbajo, “As the chief security officer of the state, I cannot control the situation if such an attack reoccurs.”

Mr Osinbajo promised that the federal government would ensure justice for victims of the recent attacks on three communities in Ishielu.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi governor complained to him that South-East governors were subjected to constant insults regarding their stance on national unity.

“You must have been reading in newspapers and the social media the amount of insults South-East governors receive for their efforts to ensure the unity of Nigeria.

“I thank God that we prevented a serious retaliation when the incident occurred.”

Speaking on the latest killings in the state, Mr Osinbajo said, “I convey the condolences from President Muhammadu Buhari as there is no justification whatsoever for the killings and destruction of property.

“The killings must be condemned in its strongest terms as the victims must have lived together for long with those who may have killed them.”

He added that federal, state, and local governments’ responsibility was to ensure that such killings did not occur.

Mr Osinbajo stated further, “I am, however, pleased that at the Egedegede community, the political leaders found some facts and evidence which would help security agencies in their investigations.

“We need to ensure that relief is sent to the affected areas as the National Emergency Management Agency, among other relevant agencies, would be mobilised to assist the people with relief materials.”

Martin Elechi, a former Ebonyi governor, urged the federal government to immediately stem the spate of killings and destruction across the country as it was becoming embarrassing.

(NAN)