The Igbos in Nigeria under the aegis of Umuigbo Young Progressive Association has urged traditional institutions and the Lagos State government to take extra precautions to safeguard the lives and property of both Igbos and non-Igbo residents of the state.
The group stated this in a joint statement issued in Lagos on Friday which was co-signed by its National Chairman, Rev. Gabriel Emmanuel, National Secretary, Ms Gladys Ogoke, and National Patron, Chief Mbazuruike Amaechi.
Before, during, and after the March 18 governorship and state house of assembly elections in the state, there have been reported verbal and physical clashes between residents of the state that are of Igbo extraction and Yorubas.
In its statement, the Igbo group claimed that the attacks are purposefully encouraged for political gain without taking into account the long-term implications for the peaceful cohabitation of natives and residents of the state.
The statement urged the state administration to continue guarding its residents regardless of their tribal or language backgrounds.
The reported attacks in the state were deemed completely unacceptable by the group, in its statement entitled: “Threats and Attacks on Igbos and Non- Igbos Resident in Lagos State”.
The statement reads in parts, “The Umuigbo Youth Progressive Association believes in One Nigeria and also believes that every Nigerian citizen is free to live, work and do his or her legitimate business in any part of the country without being terrorized or subjected to threats of any kind.
“To this effect, we hereby call on the Governor of Lagos State and traditional rulers to publicly condemn these attacks and put a stop to them.
“We are waiting for a response from Lagos State Government guaranteeing the security of the lives and properties of everyone resident in Lagos State irrespective of their tribes or religion”.
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