Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has warned against  incessant killings of Igbo in the North, particularly Jos, Plateau State, as was the case during the crisis that erupted in the state recently.

According to him, the Igbo are a peace-loving people whose only motive of living in the North is to pursue trade and commerce for which they are known, such that some areas in the North have been opened up by the activities of Igbo traders.

In a statement, yesterday, by Mr. Ben Onyechere, Special Adviser, Media to the governor, Orji said:  “The incessant killing of Igbo in parts of the north, particularly Jos, which is unjustified, has become a stigma in the North-South relationship. It cannot be understood why our northern brothers will continue to kill the Igbo living with them at will, not minding that it could attract reprisal killings of northerners in the South-East.

“Why they are used as scape goats is an issue that must be addressed by the Muslim religious leaders in the North who must brace up to the responsibility of calling their followers to order. The situation has become precarious and does not augur well for the unity of this country, because no one group has the exclusive preserve of violence.

“The political and religious leaders in the North owe it as a solemn duty to protect other tribes, particularly Igbo, which will also give credence to our collective pledge of one Nigeria.

The recent and gory stories coming out from the North about the slaughter of Igbo in this modern age is dangerous, condemnable and suspicious.  If we must continue to be one Nigeria, then such senseless killings must stop. The issue of taking another person’s life without cause is very serious because life is irreplaceable, particularly when it is induced by ethnic and religious interests which border on hatred.”