The Federal Government on Monday said it would ensure that justice is served to the victims of the recent communal clashes and violent attacks in Ebonyi State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, he condemned the attacks, and sympathized with the victims, describing such acts as cowardly, wicked and “very deeply distressing.”
The statement informed that the Vice President was at the Egedegede Community in Ishielu Local Government Area, which suffered suspected herdsmen attacks recently and Ezza/Effium communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area where communal clashes had occurred, holding an interactive session with stakeholders at the State capital.
The Vice President said, “There is no way we can, by saying sorry, fully compensate for the lives that have been lost and property destroyed. I want you to know that one way we can do something is by seeking justice and providing for the families of those who have lost their homes and we would do so.”
He added that government will ensure justice is done and the perpetrators brought to book while urging the people of the communities to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks.
He added, “let me assure you that we will seek justice on behalf of those who have died not just because they are Nigerians, but because they are human beings and they deserve justice.
“Anybody who watches another person killed next to him and does not feel angry and pained, and doesn’t feel the person deserves justice must answer to God ultimately. So, don’t be under any illusion, we will make sure so long as it lies within our power, that we will seek justice and get justice.
“Which is why I will urge you as you have done, and you have done the right thing in my view, you have peacefully presented the case, you have very peacefully conducted yourselves, reported to the authorities and sought the right support from the government.
“It is up to the government to provide the best that they can. But we must be careful also not to seek revenge because we don’t know where it will end.”
Assuring the people of improved security in the affected areas, the Vice President stated that government will beef up the security in the communities to forestall a reoccurrence.
“We are in conversation with the GOC and the Army, about ensuring that there is more security provided here. I know that the GOC has already made more provisions but obviously, there is a need for even greater security provided here,” he said.
“Mr President was particularly concerned about these, and of course, we spoke to the Governor and he thought it would be good for me to come here on his behalf to speak to the communities, especially the leadership of the community.
“I want to say that it is a very deeply distressing thing and I sympathize not just with the Governor and the people of Ebonyi State, but in particular, the people of the communities that have been affected,” he said.