A non-partisan Igbo interest group, Oganihū, has raised serious concerns over the alarming insecurity and the violent activities of armed herders in the South East, calling for urgent action from both federal and state authorities to stem the tide of violence that has ravaged communities across the region.
In a strongly worded statement signed by prominent academics, legal professionals, and civic leaders, Oganihū decried what it described as a systematic and unchallenged campaign of destruction, displacement, and death allegedly perpetrated by armed herders, with the tacit complicity of government inaction.
The group stated that “a notoriously deadly strand of this violence in Igboland is the grand plan by armed herders and their sponsors to ostensibly supplant the indigenous landowners by killings and destruction of farm crops.” It noted that in virtually all five states of the South East, herders roam streets, roads, and farmlands with impunity, trampling on crops and provoking fear among rural dwellers.
Oganihū lamented that there has been no official acknowledgement, explanation, or investigation from either the federal government or the state governments in the region regarding these attacks. “No explanation. No accountability. No investigation,” the group said.
Of particular concern, according to the statement, is the continued silence of the government in condemning the killings of unarmed civilians and the lack of a coherent or effective response by security agencies. “Nigeria’s security agencies appear overwhelmed or indifferent,” the statement read, questioning the failure of national intelligence to detect or prevent such brazen acts of violence.
The group issued a passionate appeal and call to action in the face of what it termed “horrific cascading violence” that threatens the fabric of Igbo communities and livelihoods.
Among their demands:
Immediate Action by Governments: Oganihū called on the Federal Government and all levels of government in Igboland to uphold their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property without delay.
Disarmament and Regulation of Herders: The group insisted that armed herders disarm and rear their animals only on land they have legally acquired, warning that communities can no longer tolerate killings, harassment, and farmland destruction by “armed strangers.”
Community Vigilance and Lawful Resistance: The statement urged communities to work with local vigilance groups and government authorities to lawfully disarm armed herders and resist any illegal occupation or destruction of their lands.
Unified Action by South East Governors: Oganihū challenged the governors of the South East to go beyond rhetoric and unite to implement bold security, legal, and administrative measures to safeguard the region.
The statement concluded with a firm declaration that the Igbo people “will no longer tolerate” the unchecked violence and encroachment on their lands.
The document was signed by 16 notable individuals, including legal experts, university professors, civil society leaders, and human rights advocates such as Obinali S. Duru, Esq; Karl Chinedu Uchegbu; Dr. Chido Onumah; Edmund Onyiriogwu; Prof. Chijioke Uwasomba; and Dr. Sam Amadi, among others.
Oganihū reiterated its commitment to the protection of all humanity and the development of Ala Igbo, declaring that the time for decisive action is now.
