Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on South-East governors to rise and take swift action against herdsmen Attacks in their region.
The Igbo Apex group disclosed this in a statement signed by its Secretary General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Tuesday after the herdsmen Attacked Nimbo Community, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State and killed many.
Isiguzoro however urged the the leaders of South East Nigeria to come together and provide the necessary protection for all the communities under siege.
The statement read; “The people of Southeast Nigeria are once again facing a grave threat as herdsmen launch provocative and deadly attacks on innocent residents. The recent tragedy in Nimbo Community, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State resulting in the untimely deaths of Okeh Oruku, Okeh Chukwuemeka, Julius Odiegwu, and Gabriel Ezea is a stark reminder of the precarious situation faced by our communities.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo vehemently condemns these heinous and deliberate assaults on our people, particularly those living in boundary communities. We refuse to accept these attacks as mere coincidences following the lamentations of the Northern Elders Forum over similar incidents. There is a disturbing pattern emerging, and we urge immediate action to uncover the truth behind these violent reprisals”.
He then called on the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into these renewed killings.
“The lives of Southeast residents, especially vulnerable farmers in rural areas, must be safeguarded. We implore our leaders to rise to the occasion and provide the necessary protection for our communities under siege”.
“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, extends heartfelt condolences to Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State and the bereaved families in the Nimbo community. We demand that the Enugu State Government and law enforcement agencies ensure that the perpetrators of these atrocities face the full consequences of their actions.
“As we navigate through this perilous period, we call on Southeast residents to collaborate with community vigilante groups and security forces to enhance the security of our rural areas. We must remain vigilant and united in the face of potential attacks aimed at disrupting our farming seasons and creating false insecurities to hinder our food production.
“Furthermore, we urge the Southeast Governors to reinstate the ban on the conveyance of cattle by foot within our region. Cattle-rearing operations must adhere to established laws and respect the peace of our host communities. The Southeast does not harbor plans for Ruga settlements, and we assert our commitment to protecting our land from external interventions.
“As we pursue justice and security for our people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo appeals to all Southeast residents to provide vital information to security agencies while refraining from any form of retaliation or vigilantism. Our strength lies in our resilience and unity in the face of adversity”.
