The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed its unequivocal relief and support in light of the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra independence movement.
The group said the development was monumental and expected to resolve the pervasive insecurity challenges that have beleaguered South-Eastern Nigeria for far too long.
In a statement by its factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said, “His tumultuous ambition to publicly declare a Sovereign Biafra Nation, a scheme set to take shape on December 2, 2024, was not only misguided but indicative of a reckless disregard for the profound consequences such a declaration would evoke.
“His intentions could have sparked uncontrollable civil unrest and perhaps culminated in another Biafra war, a prospect that the Igbo people have conclusively rejected and remain unprepared to engage in. The echoes of the previous conflict, which left indelible scars on our history, stand as a stark reminder of the devastation war brings.
“Upon this crucial arrest, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically denounces the notion that individuals like Simon Ekpa possess the capability or legitimacy to summon the Igbo Nation into a conflict.
“This organisation acknowledges Ekpa’s disturbing record over the last three years, wherein he has systematically wreaked havoc upon the very fabric of our society and economy, implementing his illegitimate Monday Sit-At-Home directive with the aid of armed men who have terrorized our communities.
“The financial toll from these activities is staggering, amounting to a loss of over N22trn in investment opportunities, thereby stifling the economic viability of our region. A pervasive atmosphere of relief has permeated the 95 local government areas of the South East since the announcement of Ekpa’s arrest.
“The collective silence that now blankets our communities speaks volumes about the anticipation that his detention may sever ties to his alleged sponsorship of terrorism that has spiraled into our region.
“The citizens, long traumatised by the unchecked terror he and his followers unleashed, are hopeful that the Finnish authorities’ decisive action represents a critical juncture in restoring peace and stability”.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted that as a Finnish citizen, Ekpa exploited the freedoms offered within that society to orchestrate broadcasts that incited violence and hatred against the nation he resides in.
“It is a matter of profound concern for all of us that mercenaries, veiled as agitators, infringe upon our quest for peace while undermining our autonomy”, the group added.
