NEMA calls for peace after four herders are killed in Anambra

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, is urging all Nigerians to live in peace. This is important for unity, security, and the development of the country.

Priscilla Madukwe, who heads NEMA's Enugu operations office, made this call on Thursday in Agu-Ifite Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Mrs Madukwe led a team from the federal government to investigate the murder of four herders in the area on Tuesday.

Gunmen attacked a cattle camp belonging to Aminu Mohammed in Agu-Ifite, killing the four herders.

Mrs Madukwe condemned the attack, calling it a "senseless killing". She emphasized the need for peaceful living with neighbors.

"That is what we advocate for, peaceful coexistence among all communities. We are here to obtain firsthand information and report back to Abuja on what we have seen.

"We pray that such an incident will never happen again," she said.

The delegation came on behalf of the federal government to investigate and express sympathy to the families of the victims.

Chinedu Okafor, the Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, also spoke to the Hausa/Fulani community. He called for calm and asked residents to let security agencies conduct a thorough investigation.

Mr Okafor highlighted that every Nigerian has the right to live and work anywhere in the country without fear.

He assured the community that the Anambra State Government is against crime and that those responsible for the attack will be found and punished.

"As the commissioner of police has already stated, investigations are ongoing and we must get to the root of this unfortunate incident.

"I appeal to the Hausa/Fulani community to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies. Before long, those behind this act will be arrested and made to face the law," he said.

Ndidi Omega, the Deputy Director of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), also called for peace. She offered prayers for the souls of those who died.

Mrs Omega said SEMA would send its report to the state government. They will keep working with NEMA to manage emergencies and reduce crises in the state.

Gidado Siddiki, the leader of the Fulani community in Anambra and deputy national director-general of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, praised the team for visiting quickly.

Mr Siddiki called the visit a sign of leadership and compassion. He noted that government officials often do not visit affected communities right away.

He asked the Fulani community to stay calm and not take the law into their own hands.

"I have lived in Anambra since 1986 and raised my family here, the Igbo people are hospitable and peaceful," he said.

Mr Siddiki pointed out that criminals exist in every society. He insisted that the actions of a few should not define the whole community.

He urged security agencies to ensure those responsible for the killings are caught and punished.

Mr Siddiki is hopeful that justice for the victims will boost public trust and maintain the long-standing peaceful relationship between the Fulani and their host communities in Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the assessment team checked the affected area to gather information and assess the damage for a report to the federal government.

The team also documented the burned huts as part of their findings.

Nigeria Police Force officers were present during the assessment to provide security and support.