The apex socio-cultural organization in Igbo nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed worry over the invasion, killing, maiming, arson and displacement of Igbos in their own land especially in Enugu and Ebonyi States by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Condemning the hostility against the Igbo by hooligans and barbarians while briefing journalists at his Glass House residence Orji in Owerri on Thursday, the Chairman, Council of Elders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, regretted that the unwarranted attacks on innocent Igbo breeds in Igbo land is getting out of hand, saying any attack on an Igbo anywhere is an attack on all Igbos.
According to Iwuanyanwu, “in the past few years, many parts of Igbo land have experienced unprovoked attacks in some parts of Enugu and Ebonyi States. The case in Enugu State is a clear invasion of Igbo land by unknown people. Reports reaching my office confirmed that innocent Igbos have been killed in their own homes, their houses destroyed, set ablaze and their property looted. Many Igbos especially at the border with Benue and Kogi States have fled from their homes and are now homeless. Many have been killed. There are similar experiences in some parts of Ebonyi State especially those near the border of Northern States”.
The elder statesman added that “the Ohanaeze Council of Elders view this situation as a declaration of hostility against Igbos. I therefore, wish on behalf of Ohanaeze Council of Elders to express our deep sympathy to all Igbos who have suffered loss of lives and property by this invasion by enemies armed with dangerous weapons including AK47”.
Also, the Council “request the Chairman of the Governors Forum, South East, Engr. Dave Umahi and the President – General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, to immediately convey a meeting of South East political, religious, traditional and business leaders to find solution to stop this ugly situation”, recommending that the South East Governors Forum in association with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide set up a Relief Committee to support all Igbos who have recently suffered from armed invasion by strange people including those who suffered due to flooding.
The Council maintained that “when this Relief Committee is set up, Council of Elders will appeal to the business leaders of Igbo land and others to make contributions to alleviate these our brothers and sisters. The burden of catering for the welfare of the affected Igbos may be too heavy for most State Governors to cope with alone and therefore requires the contribution and assistance of Igbo men and women in business and the National Emergency Management Agency- NEMA”.
The group appealed to NEMA to immediately respond to the needs of those affected by these attacks, urging the Federal Government of Nigeria to take steps to stop the unwarranted violation of rights of Igbos any where.