By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Igbo Gospel Ministers Restoration Association has warned that the violence in the Southeast could create a humanitarian crisis with a negative effect on socio-economic and political activities for the region.

The Gospel Ministers insisted that the ongoing gun violence and confrontations among some youths and state actors in the region would only lead to further destructions of properties and loss of lives.

The ministers, therefore, appealed for a cease-fire while calling on actors in the region to give room for peace and dialogue.

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National President of the Association, Chukwuemeka Daniel, who addressed a press conference in Abuja, yesterday advised the Federal Government to invite aggrieved parties to the table where they would discuss the issues sincerely and arrive at a conclusion that would be mutually beneficial to all persons.

He said: “We strongly stand against the ongoing gun violence in the Southeast and we condemn the act of destruction of government facilities in the region. The situation has had devastating effects on the life and livelihood of our people.

“We appeal to the youth, especially those who are members of IPOB, and ESN and other aggrieved groups to seize hostilities, and drop their weapons, and embrace the dialogue which is more fruitful and rewarding.”

Daniel also urged governors from the region to take steps within their powers to restore peace in the region, expressing fears that development might continue to elude the region and its people if peace and justice are absent.

“The governors should convene a meeting of all stakeholders and aggrieved parties to discuss the contending issues and find a lasting solution to the insecurity problem in the region. Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma, should be in the vanguard for this search for peace,” he said.

He appreciated the infrastructural interventions being done by President Muhammadu Buhari in the Southeast with particular reference to soon-to-be-completed Second Niger Bridge and several other projects in the region.