Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, has condemned the recent killings and reprisal attacks involving residents of Anambra and Ebonyi States, offering humanitarian assistance to victims and affected families on both sides.
Anyichuks made his position known in a press statement issued through his spokesperson, Emma Igwe, following reports of escalating violence after the murder of Miss Mmesoma and subsequent attacks that have reportedly claimed additional lives.
He described the developments as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that the killing of innocent people could never be justified as an act of revenge.
While condemning Mmesoma’s murder, he also expressed concern over the reported killing of two Ebonyi indigenes and threats against other residents, insisting that criminal responsibility must remain individual rather than collective.
“There can never be any justification for taking innocent human lives under the guise of revenge. The murder of Mmesoma is condemnable, just as the reported killing of two Ebonyi men and the continued threats against other persons are equally unacceptable.
“Criminal responsibility must be individual, not collective. No community should be made to suffer for the alleged offence of an individual,” the statement read.
Calls for Peace, Government Intervention
The politician appealed to residents of both states, particularly youths and community leaders, to exercise restraint and resist attempts to organise further reprisal attacks.
He warned against allowing the actions of individuals to destroy the longstanding relationships between Anambra and Ebonyi, noting that people from both states have shared commercial, cultural and family ties for generations.
Anyichuks also called on the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene by deploying security and administrative measures to protect vulnerable residents and prevent further bloodshed.
He urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the initial murder and subsequent attacks, irrespective of their state of origin.
Anyichuks Offers to Pay Hospital Bills, Donate Food Items
As part of his humanitarian intervention, Anyichuks offered to offset the hospital bills of victims receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the violence on both sides.
He also pledged to donate bags of rice and other essential food items to affected families and communities to help ease the hardship caused by the crisis.
According to the statement, the gesture reflects his commitment to humanity and peaceful coexistence beyond political, ethnic and geographical boundaries.
He stressed that the offer was neither an endorsement of violence nor an attempt to interfere with ongoing investigations, but rather a demonstration of concern for victims irrespective of their state of origin.
Anyichuks further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders in both states to work towards reconciliation and rebuilding confidence among residents.
He also urged Ebonyi indigenes living in Anambra and Anambra residents living in Ebonyi to remain calm, protect one another and avoid being used by criminal elements to fuel further division.
The statement called on media organisations and social media users to avoid spreading unverified reports and inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions.
Reaffirming his position, Anyichuks maintained that no political ambition, ethnic sentiment or personal grievance was worth the life of an innocent Nigerian.
“Let the law take its course. Let the innocent be protected. Let the wounded receive treatment. Let the hungry be supported. Let peace return to our communities.
“Anambra and Ebonyi are brothers, not enemies,” the statement added.
