Buhari says those behind wild killings in south-east to expect tough response, warns against reprisal killings

By our reporter| Those behind the “wild” killings in the south-east should expect a tough response from the security forces, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Wednesday.

The region, especially Anambra state, has recorded a spate of violence in the past few weeks, resulting in killings and the destruction of properties.

Last Sunday, a lawmaker of the Anambra state house of assembly abducted by gunmen earlier in the month, was beheaded by his abductors, and the severed head dumped at a motor park.

Three days ago, a woman identified as Harira Jubril and her four children were killed by gunmen in Orumba North LGA of Anambra, and a gory video showing their bodies appeared on social media platforms.

Harira and her children were laid to rest on Wednesday.

Security operatives have attributed the attacks to activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant outfit, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

IPOB has, however, repeatedly denied involvement in the violent attacks.

Reacting to the developments via his Twitter page, Buhari described the attacks as “wild” and “barbarous”.

“I strongly condemn the wild, barbarous and wanton killings of innocent people in the South-East, as well as in other parts of Nigeria,” the President twitted.

“The perpetrators of these deeply distressing attacks should expect the toughest possible response from the security forces.”

Also on Wednesday, presidential spokesman, in a statement, warned against reprisals and the sharing of the videos.

“The Presidency wishes to caution against any knee-jerk reactions, the creation of panic, disruption of lives and livelihoods, or even retaliatory violence following the viral videos of the alleged killings of non-indigenes by the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and its mother terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” the statement reads.

“While expert agencies are now verifying the factuality and veracity of the claims that accompany the horrid pictures being circulated, we call on all citizens to avoid hasty steps or conclusions that could exacerbate the situation, and on the contrary keep to a line of conduct that will help the law to take its proper course.

“The presidency also cautions the public against the indiscriminate sharing of posts on social media so as to deny vested interests who seek to divide us and create disturbance the chance to do so.”