From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on South-East governors to address the escalating insecurity in the region.
Ohanaeze expressed concern over the brutal killing of over 300 individuals in the South-East during the first quarter of 2025.
It noted that this heinous loss of lives, compounded by the conspicuous conspiracy of silence exhibited by the South-East governors, could lead to serious tragedy in the region.
Expressing dismay over the inaction among the political leaders, especially the governors, the organisation noted that it is not merely a passive acceptance of a grim reality, but an alarming indication of the collapse of governance in the face of the terror unleashed by Fulani herdsmen across the region.
The statement reads in part: “The stark reality is that while innocent Igbo farmers are subjected to relentless attacks, their leaders remain conspicuously absent from the fight against this palpable jihadist threat. Such lethargy in governance betrays the very essence of leadership and undermines the security and dignity of Igbo people.
“Let the international community bear witness: Igboland is under siege. Fulani jihadist terrorists have ruthlessly claimed the lives of approximately 300 Igbos in a span of just three months. Ohanaeze Ndigbo now demands an immediate cessation of this conspiracy of silence among our governors.
“We call for urgent and decisive action to address the escalating insecurity in our region. Should this inaction persist, the Igbo Nation will be left with no alternative but to seek intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
“In such a case, we will advocate for the invocation of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in our beleaguered states.”
Ohanaeze listed the ongoing killings in the region to include Ahuamufu in Enugu and Okigwe in Imo State, as well as Nkalaha in Ebonyi State, Uturu in Abia State and Umunze in Anambra State.
“We cannot afford further delay. It is utterly unacceptable that our defenceless farmers are denied access to their lands, creating a precarious situation that signals potential food insecurity and shortage for the year.
“The fear now permeating our communities, which precludes families from returning for the upcoming Easter celebrations, underscores a dire need for immediate intervention,” the statement added.
