By Musa Baba Adamu
The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the wanton killings and destruction of property in the South East, saying it is genocidal in proportion.
In a statement issued yesterday by the National chairman of AAC, Leornad Nzenwa, the party called on the security agents to take urgent steps to restore peace and order in the zone.
It said “It is unfortunate that the South East that had been peaceful and stable over the years has recently been turned into a killing field by forces bent on destabilizing the zone ahead of 2023 general election. Human life has become so cheap that it can be easily snuffed out in the orgy of calculated killings and arson.
“Eye witnesses and residents in the zone have revealed killings of massive level nearing genocidal proportion in the last few months with law abiding citizens harassed, arrested, kidnapped, raped; communities attacked, private and public buildings set ablaze, thus making the zone ungovernable.
“Security agents who were dispatched to restore order have also run amok harassing, arresting, detaining, killing and overrunning some communities in the zone in search of the ubiquitous “unknown gunmen” and IPOB members.”
The party said while it calls for the arrest and prosecution of the forces behind the killings and the subversive elements in the zone, it urge security agents to strictly adhere to their rule of engagement and ensure innocent citizens are not harassed, intimidated, arrested, detained or killed in their efforts to restore peace and order.
“The news media is also awash with killings and destruction of private property by disgruntled security agents. All those found wanting in the discharge of their duties should be punished to serve as a deterrent to others. The human rights of the people as free citizens must be respected. Federal and state governments should thoroughly investigate all extra judicial killings in the zone and bring the perpetrators to book.
“The nation has witnessed increased security challenges in recent times. No part of the country is safe ranging from terrorism, insurgency, militancy, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen and unknown gunmen killings, arson, attacks on insecurity agents and secession bid, making Nigeria an unruly laboratory of democracy.
“It is as if there is no government at all levels. Jungle justice prevails over social justice, due process and the rule of law in flagrant violation of section 14(2)b of the 1999 constitution, as amended, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“AAC calls on government at all levels to sit up, do the right things, stop buck passing and redirect the ship of the nation to the path of rectitude, peace, unity, advancement and prosperity. The party will continue to champion sustainable democracy in Nigeria. We are all in it together. Together we shall save our frail democracy and build a great nation future generations will be proud of”, the party said.
