Insecurity affecting development in South-East — Group

A group, the South-East Coalition for Sustainable Development, has lamented that the activities of criminal elements in the region were affecting the socio-economic development of the region.

This was as the group urged the people of the region to cooperate with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to curb the violence and wanton killings going on in the region.

In a statement on Monday by the president of the group, Onu Ikenna, and its secretary, Uchechi Mgbidi, called on the military to ensure elections in the region are conducted in a safe environment.

The statement partly read, “We plead with our people to support the military as the development strides associated with the Igbos are being eroded by the activities of a few.

“We cannot continue in this violence and wanton killings that are beginning to make us look like cannibals.

“We also welcome the promise by the CDS that the military and other security agencies will not tolerate any threat to the 2023 general election. This is the time for our people to speak on who to govern their affairs. They must not be denied that right.

“We, however, urge the residents to support the non-kinetic measures by the military to ensure Nigerians have peace return to the region.”