By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The apex Igbo cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly rejected Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s recent assertion that 99.9% of terrorists operating in Southeast Nigeria are of Igbo descent.
In a firm statement issued in Abakaliki, Ohanaeze’s National Deputy Chairman, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, described Soludo’s comments as “unfounded, baseless, and a misrepresentation of the facts.”
Governor Soludo made these controversial remarks during the Igbo USA Town-Hall meetings, where he suggested that insecurity in the Southeast region was largely driven by Igbos themselves. Ohanaeze Ndigbo has vigorously countered this claim, asserting that it misrepresents the reality on the ground and undermines investor confidence in Nigeria’s southeastern states.
“The truth is that the vast majority of criminal activities in Southeast Nigeria are perpetrated by non-Igbo elements, particularly Fulani militias and other external actors,” Isiguzoro emphasized. He also pointed out that some of the region’s governors have failed in their constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of citizens, choosing instead to scapegoat the very people they swore to protect.
Ohanaeze raised further concerns over recent intelligence reports warning of impending attacks by external militias targeting civilians in various states across Southeast Nigeria. States like Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Abia are said to be at risk of coordinated assaults on schools, markets, and public spaces.
The group called for the swift establishment of local government vigilante groups to combat the growing security threats, urging the governors to take immediate and decisive action.
In addition, Ohanaeze reminded the Southeast governors of a July 2024 meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during which they promised to engage with President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This pledge remains unfulfilled, raising questions about the region’s leadership and commitment to its people’s welfare.
“The continued inaction on the formation of a regional security outfit and the delay in securing Nnamdi Kanu’s release shows a disturbing lack of urgency,” the statement added.
Isiguzoro further warned that Ohanaeze would no longer tolerate excuses and blame-shifting from governors, stressing that any leader who fails to protect their people will be held accountable at the polls.
“The Southeast of Nigeria is under siege—not by 99.9% of Igbo youths, as falsely claimed, but by external militias. Enough is enough. We demand action, not rhetoric,” Ohanaeze concluded.
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