The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone, has expressed its deep concern over the alleged tragic and senseless killing of a woman working on her farm in Ngor Okpala, Imo State.
The youth body described such a heinous act carried out allegedly by herdsmen, who, while grazing their cattle, intruded on her farmland and brutally killed the innocent woman.
In a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday, the President General of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, stated that this is not only a heartbreaking loss to the family and the local community but also a grave injustice that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
He said, “Every citizen has the right to life, safety, and protection, and the violent actions of these herdsmen must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
According to him, the tragic killing of the woman exemplifies the growing insecurity and disregard for human life that has become all too common in our country.
COSEYY pointed out that the killing of the innocent woman further confirms to doubting Thomases that the so-called herdsmen are not herdsmen but terrorists on a wicked mission to kill and grab land in the South-East.
The youth body, however, demanded that the Imo State government and relevant authorities should investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said, “It is imperative that those responsible for this crime are held accountable and that the rule of law is upheld.”
The coalition called on the Imo State government, the security agencies, and youths in various communities to implement to the letter the ban on open grazing while strengthening their security by taking immediate action to bolster security in their villages and farmlands to prevent further attacks, protect farmers, and ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
COSEYL called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to extend necessary support and assistance to the family of the deceased during their difficult time.
He added, “We demand that this attack must not go unpunished, and we stand with the people who demand justice for the victim. May her soul rest in peace, and may the authorities take swift and decisive action to prevent future atrocities.”
The group warned the killer herdsmen to vacate their forests and farmlands while insisting that the law banning open grazing must be obeyed.
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