Boko Haram:S-East leaders condemn Igbo killing

  After four hours of deliberation, Igbo leaders, elected public officers, political appointees, traditional rulers and religious leaders from the South East zone, Saturday, declared their anger over the continued killing of Ndigbo residing in the northern states  by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

  They condemned the spate of killings going on in the country and resolved to set up a committee to monitor the development as it unfolds and advise on future actions. In a three-paragraph communiqué issued after the closed door meeting held at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu and signed by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state who doubles as Chairman, South East Governors Forum, the leaders said: 'We assure our people living in the North and other parts of the country that we are in constant touch with the various state governments to ensure the security of their lives and property.' The participants, however, commended the efforts of the Federal Government 'in containing the situation.'

  Governor Obi, who read the communique, declined to answer questions from newsmen who had earlier in the day covered the Igbo elders' meeting jointly convened by the MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, former Ohanaeze leader, Justice Eze Ozobu rtd, and attended by prominent Igbo like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who asked Ndigbo affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to send their family members home and remain wherever they are to defend their property and investments.

  Present at the meeting convened by the South East Governors Forum were Dr Alex Ekwueme, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Sen Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Bob Ogbuagu, Sen Ben Obi, Chief Victor Umeh, Dr Tim Menakaya, Amb Ralph Uwechue, Prof Barth Nnaji, Air Cmmdr. Ebitu Ukiwe, Chief Olisa Metuh, Chief Olisa Agbakoba, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, The SGF Anyim Pius Anyim, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Emeka Nwogu, Labour Minister; Prof Chinedu Nebo, Prof Sam Ukpabi, Sen Uche Chukwumerije, Sen Chris Ngige and Sen Ike Ekweremadu.

  Others were Gov Peter Obi, Gov Martin Elechi, Gov Rochas Okorocha, Gov Sullivan Chime, Speakers of the Houses of Assembly in the zone, Dr Anagha Ezikpe, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Prof Chukwuemeka Ike and Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, South East CAN Chairman, who led some Bishops and Priests to the meeting