February 16, (THEWILL) – Eight persons have been confirmed dead in a Tuesday midnight attack at the new cattle market at Omumauzor community, in Ukwa West local government area of Abia State.
Though the identity of the hoodlums were yet to be ascertained at the time of filing the report, THEWILL learnt that the invaders were heavily armed and attempts by local vigilante to combat them failed.
Meanwhile, a high powered team of Abia State government visited the market on Wednesday morning, to access the situation and sympathise with the traders.
The team made of the Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Professor Anthony Agbazuere, Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Homeland Security, Chief Sopuruchi Bekee, Chairman of Ukwa West LGC, Chief Okechi Kanu and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Janet Agbade assured the traders of their safety while sympathising with them.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barr Eze Chikamnayo on the incident, said security agencies have been mobilised to the scene; adding that efforts were in top gear to relocate the traders at the cattle market and pay them compensation over their losses.
The statement reads: “On Tuesday, 15th February, 2022 at about 11:35pm, some yet to be identified hoodlums allegedly invaded traders at the New Cattle Market located in Omumauzor, Ukwa West Local Government Area of our Dear State.
“Government responded swiftly by mobilising the various Security Agencies to the scene that night, to secure the lives and properties of the innocent traders and fish out the assailants.
“This was followed this morning by a high powered team made up of the Chief of Staff, Prof ACB Agbazuere, Hon Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Honorable Commissioner for Homeland Security, Chief Sopuruchi Bekee, Executive Chairman of Ukwa West LGA, Chief Okey Kanu in company of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede.
“We are shocked and saddened by this mindless and barbaric act of violence that claimed the lives of about 8 innocent citizens of our great country and we totally condemn this dastardly act together with its wicked perpetrators.
“We are working assiduously to provide succour to the families of the victims. Those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical attention.
“We have equally started the immediate relocation of the traders, while working out compensation for lost properties.
“We shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that the evil perpetrators are brought to justice.
“While waiting for the outcome of the ongoing investigations by our diligent security forces, the governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu together with all Abians pray for God to grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“We urge all citizens of our great country in Abia State to remain law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious movement to the appropriate authorities.”
Meanwhile, the National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has condemned the attack.
Shettima in a statement said, “As a group we are still deeply concerned about the murder of Northerners resident in Abia, who are doing legitimate business. We are also deeply touched by the report of scores of others sustaining various degrees of injury and have now been hospitalised.
“We condemn in totality this dastardly attack on innocent citizens from the North trading to earn a living.
“We welcome the prompt response of security agencies and the Abia State Government for going after the killers and rushing the injured ones to the hospital.
“We urge the Abia State Government to pursue its promise to bring the killers to book, in the spirit of national unity and stability.
“The AYCF will be following closely the efforts of Abia State Government to fulfill its promise of providing compensation for the families and survivors of the attack
“We pray this should be last bad news we would hear about innocent Northern traders, from not just Abia but the entire Southeast, in the spirit of national unity and stability.”
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