Edo: Don’t link Igbos to Uromi mob killings, Ohanaeze urges

The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has dissociated the Igbo tribe from the tragic killings of Hausa Muslim members in Uromi, Edo State.

According to them, the Igbo community has no connection—culturally, socially, or otherwise—with the incidents, maintaining that Uromi is an Esan tribe and not Igbo. They firmly admonish that linking the Igbo to the Uromi mob killings is not only misleading but also poses a grave threat to harmony and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, while sympathising with the Muslim community and the immediate families of the victims.

He, however, called upon Northern Governors, religious leaders, and significant cultural organisations such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, and Arewa Youths, to take decisive action in educating and informing their communities, particularly the impressionable youth, that Uromi, located in the Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State, is neither part of Igboland nor associated with the Igbo people.

Isiguzoro further clarified that the citizens of Uromi predominantly belong to the Esan ethnic group and should not be misidentified as Igbo.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo vehemently cautioned against any potential reprisals aimed at Igbo individuals or communities residing in the Northern region.

“In the spirit of Eid el-Fitr and in heartfelt unity with all Muslim faithful, the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to address a pressing issue that has arisen in the wake of the tragic mob killings of Northern travellers in Uromi, Edo State. It is our duty to call upon Northern Governors, esteemed religious leaders—including the Sultan of Sokoto, respected Northern Emirs, and the Shehu of Borno—as well as significant cultural organisations such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, and Arewa Youths. We urge these leaders to take decisive action in educating and informing their communities, particularly the impressionable youth, that Uromi, located in the Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State, is neither part of Igboland nor associated with the Igbo people. The citizens of Uromi predominantly belong to the Esan ethnic group and should not be misidentified as Igbo.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is genuinely troubled by the deluge of narratives suggesting attempts to falsely affiliate the Igbo with the tragic events that transpired in Uromi—the gruesome killings of innocent Northern travellers. We express our heartfelt sorrow for the families affected by this violence. However, we resolutely admonish that linking the Igbo to the Uromi mob killings is not only misleading but also poses a grave threat to harmony and mutual respect among our diverse communities.

“We stand in solidarity with Northern leaders and the grieving families of the victims, mourning their loss with sincerity and compassion. It is crucial that we collectively condemn violence in all its forms, irrespective of the ethnic identities involved.

“In our appeal to the Federal Government, Northern Governors, and all relevant cultural and religious bodies, we emphasise the need for vigilance. It is imperative to ensure that upcoming Eid el-Fitr and Sallah celebrations are carried out in an atmosphere of peace and security. We insist that no threats against Igbo communities should be tolerated during this time of reflection and joy.

“We firmly believe that the efforts of respected leaders, such as the Sultan of Sokoto and other influential Emirs, are essential in diffusing the heightened tension that has enveloped certain Northern cities. Their guidance can foster a climate of reconciliation and understanding that is crucial during this tumultuous period.

“For clarification and public knowledge, we firmly declare that the Igbo community has no connection—culturally, socially, or otherwise—with the tragic incidents that occurred in Uromi, Edo State. It is our earnest request that the public refrain from implicating the Igbo in this unfortunate tragedy, as such actions deepen divisive narratives and sow discord among our peoples.

“In closing, let it be unequivocally known: the Igbo will not be entangled in the unfortunate events of Uromi. Ohanaeze Ndigbo advocates for unity, respect, and forthright dialogue among all Nigerians as we navigate this challenging landscape together.”

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE