Traditional rulers in Imo State have appealed to the people of the state to shun violence and embrace peace, News About Nigeria reports.
The Secretary, Oguta Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze A. Ozuruoha, made this call while speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Owerri, stating that the insecurity in the state had become alarming.
He noted that the security challenges and economic setbacks facing parts of the Orlu senatorial zone of Imo State were of grave concern and therefore appealed to the people to reconcile their differences and embrace peace.
Ozuruoha further stated that the development the people of the state seek cannot thrive in an insecure environment, adding that they must come together in unity if any notable and long-lasting development will take place in the state.
He, therefore, urged those who were behind the recent bouts of insecurity in the state to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign.
Ozuruoha commended the efforts of Governor Hope Uzodimma in ensuring that peace is restored in the entire senatorial zone and also stressed the role of royal fathers in the maintenance of peace, urging the traditional rulers to encourage peace in the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Orlu Progressive Initiative (OPI), Mr. Ikechukwu Nwabueze, noted that it was sad that the Orlu senatorial zone had witnessed some form of security challenges and economic setbacks.
He added that these setbacks have caused the people living in the zone to have unpleasant experiences including low productivity, poverty, unemployment, hunger, agricultural produce shortages, poor health, depression, displacement of people, deaths and fear of the unknown.
