February 1, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
Alleged Invasion by Herdsmen and the attack in Bende
My attention has been brought to the recent skirmish that took place around Ozuitem in Bende Federal Constituency which resulted in the injury of a Fulani herdsman and affected 15 livestock.
As with violence of any kind, I strongly condemn this attack. It is antithetical to the tenets and tradition of the peace-loving people of Bende. I therefore ask every community leader and member not to support this act of violence and to be wary of mischievous or unscrupulous elements around who may wish to instigate further unrest.
Through my office, I am currently exploring avenues of diplomacy to ensure that there is no escalation of violence. I have also met with the Department of State Security (DSS), the Police and other security agencies in Abia State to ensure the protection of lives and property of both visitors and indigenes in Bende and to also fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Furthermore, as we engage diplomatically to preserve the peace, I have instructed the Constituency office to take care of the medical bills of the injured herdsman.
Finally, I hereby call on the Chairman and Members of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Bende, the Members of the State House of Assembly representing Bende North and Bende South, all youth and women leaders as well the Presidents-General of town unions in the constituency for a meeting by 11am tomorrow, February 2, 2021 at the hall at Bende LGA headquarters to discuss ways of fostering peace in Bende.
We ask the youths to support the peace-loving nature of the Bende federal constituency and to be vigilant in discovering those who want to come and commit crimes on our soil.
Signed
Rep. Benjamin O. Kalu
Member Representing Bende Federal Constituency
