The apex Igbo socio-cultural and political body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo; and The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere on Saturday, condemned the ongoing destruction of properties and looting by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protests in the country.
The groups also condemned the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos State by soldiers.
This was contained in a joint statement signed by the leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; and President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, titled, #EndSars: Afenifere and Ohanaeze say no to willful destruction.’
The groups jointly commiserated with all the families who lost their loved ones in the unrest in the country.
The statement further stated, “We do not endorse arson as responsible organisations and we call for a stop of the orgies. We have also noted the divisive attempt to use the violence to put a wedge between Yoruba and Igbo and destroy the new understanding we have built in the last three years.
“We reject this devilish attempt and ask the police to investigate and arraign suspected perpetrators responsible for the violence. The essence of law and order is for individual citizens to answer for their actions.
“It is where law enforcement is weak that you begin to cast ethnic slur when crimes are committed instead of holding the perpetrators.
“We appeal to our peoples to continue to live together in peace and harmony and not allow divisive elements to put a wedge between them. Solidarity forever.”
