HOT: Insecurity In South East Has Gone Beyond IPOB - Govs Reveal Secret

A statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman, South East Governors' Forum, Dave Umahi, said some criminal elements including cultists, armed robbers and kidnappers are killing residents in the name of IPOB.

Recall that the secessionist group had been accused of several attacks on security operatives in the region while enforcing it's sit-at-home declared in June in solidarity with its leader, NNamdi Kanu who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

According to the statement, Umahi who doubles as Ebonyi State Governor, also pleaded with security agencies deployed to Anambra State for the Saturday governorship election to protect the lives of the citizens.

The statement reads in part, "We are aware that the insecurity in South East has gone beyond IPOB. Cultists, armed robbers and kidnappers have recruited themselves and are using the name of IPOB to kill innocent citizens. We will not allow this to continue.

"We plead with all security agencies deployed for Anambra election to please secure the lives of our people in Anambra State while playing within the rules of their engagements".