Anambra Central senator, Victor Umeh, has condemned the murder of youths in Nibo community on Sunday during a traditional festival.
The lawmaker claimed that 16 people were killed during the attack.
This is contrary to claims by Police authorities in the state that only five people were killed.
Speaking via a statement he personally signed, Umeh emphasized that the shooting took place just a few poles from the Governor’s Lodge, saying that this shows how unsafe the state under Governor Charles Soludo had become.
He lamented that there have been tales of killings and kidnappings without any effort to combat the menace.
Umeh said, “It is with shock and deep pain that I condemn the shooting which took place in Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra Central Senatorial District, in Anambra State on Sunday, 20th October, 2024.
“From the information I received from an indigene of Nibo who is a major stakeholder in the community, about 16 people were killed in the shooting, with several other injured persons still lying critically in the hospitals.”
He added, “It has been Tales of killings and kidnappings across the state without any visible efforts to stem the tide for a long time now.
“While I commiserate with the families of the victims and Nibo Community, I urge people who are killing and kidnapping people in the state to lay down their arms.
“Killings and wasting of human lives go a long way in diminishing our State. Those events scare our people from returning home and discourage businesses and investments in Anambra State.”
The senator tasked the governor to provide adequate security for lives and properties in the state, saying it is the primary responsibility of the government.