Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, has condemned the reported reprisal killings involving residents of Anambra and Ebonyi States following the tragic murder of Miss Mmesoma and subsequent attacks that have reportedly claimed innocent lives.
Odii, through his spokesperson, Emma Igwe, described the development as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that no crime could justify taking innocent lives in the name of revenge.
In a press statement dated October 25, 2026, Anyichuks condemned both the murder of Mmesoma and the reported killing of two Ebonyi men, alongside threats against other residents, insisting that criminal responsibility should be individual rather than collective.
He appealed to residents of both states, particularly youths and community leaders, to exercise restraint and avoid further violence, warning against allowing the actions of a few individuals to destroy the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring states.
According to him, Anambra and Ebonyi share historical, cultural, commercial and family ties, with their people having lived, traded and intermarried for generations.
Anyichuks also called on the Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene by deploying necessary security measures to protect vulnerable residents and prevent further bloodshed.
He further urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the initial murder and subsequent reprisal attacks in accordance with the law.
As part of his humanitarian intervention, the former governorship candidate announced plans to offset hospital bills incurred by victims receiving treatment as a result of the violence on both sides.
He also pledged to donate bags of rice and other essential food items to affected families and communities in both states to cushion the hardship caused by the crisis.
The statement clarified that the humanitarian gesture was not an endorsement of violence or an attempt to interfere with ongoing investigations, but a demonstration of compassion beyond ethnic and geographical boundaries.
Furthermore, Anyichuks appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders in both states to work towards reconciliation and restore confidence among residents.
He also cautioned media organisations and social media users against spreading inflammatory publications and unverified reports capable of escalating tensions.
Reaffirming his commitment to peaceful coexistence, Anyichuks maintained that no political ambition, ethnic sentiment or personal grievance was worth the blood of an innocent Nigerian.
He concluded with a strong message of unity, declaring: “Anambra and Ebonyi are brothers, not enemies,” while urging both communities to allow the law to take its course and embrace peace.
