Governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Rochas Okorocha of Imo have said the killing of five Fulani herdsmen in a forest along the border of the two states was carried out by suspected miscreants.
The governors spoke on Monday in Umuahia while briefing newsmen on the outcome of a Joint Security Council meeting of the two states.
The Abia governor noted that kidnapping had become a recurring events in the area.
He added that the meeting was convened to make a bold statement on the security challenges that confronted both states.
“We condemn the killings as it concerns the five Fulani men that were abducted and assassinated in a forest.
“We are all united in the fact that the particular forest and such other forests will be rid of criminals that use them as hideouts.
“It is our responsibility to protect lives and property of people that reside in Abia, as security agencies of both states have been mandated to cross the borders of both states to hunt down criminals”.
On his part, Okorocha also condemned the killing, adding that the culprits would be punished.
“On the issue of the killing of five Fulani men that has caused tension, the culprits have been arrested and will be dealt with under the law and as well ade to pay the ultimate price.
“Information reaching us reveal that it is not just five Fulani men as there are two corpses believed to be Igbos from the area, so it is not a direct attack on any ethnic group”, he added.
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