The Umuigbo Youth Progressive Association has urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and traditional institutions to do more to protect the lives and property of Igbo and non-Igbo residents.
On Friday in Lagos, the association issued a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, National Secretary, and National Patron, Rev. Gabriel Emmanuel, Ms Gladys Ogoke, and Chief Mbazuruike Amaechi.
In the statement entitled: “Threats and Attacks on Igbos and Non- Igbos Resident in Lagos State”, the group described as totally unacceptable the alleged attacks in the state.
“The Umuigbo Youth Progressive Association believe in One Nigeria and also believe that every Nigerian citizen is free to live, work and do his or her legitimate business in any part of the country without being terrorised or subjected to threats of any kind.
“To this effect, we hereby call on the Governor of Lagos State and traditional rulers to publicly condemn these attacks and put a stop to it,” it stated.
According to the statement, the attacks are deliberately promoted for political gains without thinking of the long term consequences on the peaceful co-existence of residents and the people of the state.
“We are waiting for a response from Lagos State Government guaranteeing the security of the lives and properties of everyone resident in Lagos State irrespective of their tribes or religion,” it stated.
The statement urged the state government to continue to protect residents of the state regardless of tongues and ethnic background.