THE Federal Government has condemned calls by some individuals and groups in the South-East geopolitical zone for herdsmen to leave the region.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, made the condemnation on Sunday, at Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.He was addressing newsmen on the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-East stakeholders’ meeting.
According to him, the call was uncalled for, as President Muhammadu Buhari had directed relevant agencies to take appropriate actions in halting the killings by suspected herdsmen.
“This situation is not pleasing to anybody, but the Federal Government is desirous to achieve a peaceful, strong and united nation.
“The government appeals to south-easterners, especially youths, not to take laws into their hands as a result of the development.
“The people should exercise patience, as the president has categorically condemned the herdsmen’s actions and directed that no effort should be spared in checking the situation.
“The Ibos are known globally to be peace loving and abhorrers of violence, as I enjoin them to maintain such virtue,” he said.
The minister said the meeting involved elected APC leaders, national leaders, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and other stakeholders from the zone.
“We discussed ways of consolidating on the party’s achievements and making it stronger because we want to start winning elections in the zone,” he said.