‘Let them see how painful it is’ — Umahi threatens to ‘go after parents of gunmen in Ebonyi’

Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, says he will “go after” parents of persons behind recent killings in the state.

There have been recent attacks in states across the south-east — including Ebonyi — which have led to several killings and destruction of property.

Speaking on Wednesday after the signing of the contract agreement for the construction of the second phase of the Abakaliki ring road, the Ebonyi governor said the state had had enough of such attacks.

The signing of the contract agreement took place at the governor’s office in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi capital.

According to a statement by Francis Nwaze, the governor’s spokesman, Umahi said if those behind killings needed jobs, the state will provide for them.

He also warned that if there is a further breach of peace in the state, traditional rulers, coordinators of development centres and council chairmen would be held accountable.

“There will be no killings again or burning of houses in my state. If the problem is that they don’t have anything doing, bring them, I will find them something doing. But if they refuse and you fail to bring their names to me, you will pay the price,” the governor said.

“All I need is information. If they take this offer, I will not arrest anybody. I will empower and integrate them, but nobody should kill anybody.

“About this Monday thing, you must mobilise people to the markets, the security to patrol the streets and everywhere, because you know these boys and you know their parents.

“Any further killing(s), I will go after the parents of these boys. Let them see how painful it is — spilling the blood of innocent people because you are promised heaven and earth.

“You allow people to import criminals and they are in the bushes killing our people and you are keeping quiet. Enough is enough. I have charged Ebubeagu to roll out today and do their work.”

Speaking on the project, he urged the contractors to ensure timely completion, and also advised them to collaborate with host communities.

Umahi also directed community leaders and LGA chairpersons in the areas for the project to ensure maximum security of workers and their equipment.