The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex socio-political youth group in the South East geopolitical zone has expressed outrage over what it described as the “tragic and senseless” killing of a woman who was working on her farm in Ngor Okpala council area of Imo state.
This is contained in a release signed by the Group’s President-General, Mr Goodluck Ibem, made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Tuesday.
Ibem said that the “heinous act was carried out by Fulani herdsmen, who, while grazing their cattle, intruded on her farmland and brutally killed the innocent woman “.
He described the incident as not only a heartbreaking loss for her family, friends, and the local community, but also a grave injustice that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
“ 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.
“ The tragic killing of this woman exemplifies the growing insecurity and disregard for human life that has become all too common in our country.
“ The killing of this 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 President-General said.
He called on the Imo state government and relevant authorities to investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“ It is imperative that those responsible for this crime are held accountable, and that the rule of law is upheld.
“ The Imo government, security agencies and youths in our various communities should 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 “, he added.
He called on Gov. Hope Uzodinma to extend necessary support and assistance to the family of the deceased during this difficult time, as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
He however said that the group warns the killer herdsmen to vacate forests and farmlands in the southeast.
“ The law banning open grazing must be obeyed to the letter. Enough Said! “, he stressed.