The Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Wednesday, lashed out at

the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) over allegations that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were responsible for the death of five bodies of Fulani herdsmen and 50 other unidentified persons, whose bodies were discovered in shallow graves in Isikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

The DSS which allegedly discovered the bodies accused the IPOB of being responsible for the heinous act.

But reacting to the development in a statement issued in Enugu by its President General, Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey, Ohanaeze condemned the position of the DSS, while demanding a proper investigation to ascertain those behind the heinous act.

“We condemn in very strong terms such explosive statement from a government security outfit. Such statements are very unprofessional and capable of inciting the polity and endangering unity. We urge Ndigbo to continue to live in peace with fellow Nigerians and resist any action that will breach peace in the country”, Ohanaeze said.

It said it was aware that both IPOB and MASSOB have robustly denied involvement in the act, adding that the governors of Abia and Imo states have also denied knowledge of the discovery as well as condemned it.

The statement therefore, condemned the taking of human life in any form anywhere in the country, and reaffirmed that Ndigbo “are friendly to visitors and will not endanger life of visitors”.

Assuring Nigerians of their safety anywhere in Igboland, Ohanaeze stated that those behind the incident did not act on behalf of Ndigbo and should therefore be brought to book.

“Ndigbo are curious and very suspicious of the reasons behind the DSS statement which indicted IPOB as responsible for the dastardly act”, the statement added, while commiserating with families of the deceased and the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).