Ohanaeze to South-East govs: You’ve 30 days to flush out killer herdsmen from our forests

The Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to South-East Governors to identify and expel killer herdsmen from all Igbo forests.

The Igbo organisation made this demand in a statement signed by its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Tuesday, expressing profound concern over reports detailing the brutal killings of over 300 individuals in the South-East during the first quarter of 2025.

Isiguzoro noted that failure to expel the herdsmen from Igbo forests would compel the organisation to appeal for a state of emergency in any state where a governor is paralysed by helplessness or incompetence, thereby failing to provide adequate protection for communities currently under siege.

He added that the inaction observed among Igbo political leaders, particularly the South-East governors, is not merely a passive acceptance of a grim reality but an alarming indication of the collapse of governance in the face of terror unleashed by Fulani herdsmen across the Igbo homeland.

The statement reads: “The Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to express its profound concern regarding the egregious reports detailing the brutal killings of over 300 individuals in the South-East during the first quarter of 2025. This heinous loss of life, compounded by the conspicuous conspiracy of silence exhibited by our South-East Governors, represents a dual tragedy that the Igbo Nation categorically deems unacceptable. The inaction observed among our political leaders, especially the South-East Governors, is not merely a passive acceptance of a grim reality but an alarming indication of the collapse of governance in the face of the terror unleashed by Fulani herdsmen across our homeland.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo delivers this wake-up message with urgency: our esteemed forebears—legendary figures such as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr Michael Okpara, Dr Francis Akanu-Ibia, Dr C.C. Onoh, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu, and Dr Alex Ekwueme—would undoubtedly express their profound dismay over the craven silence and hypocrisy displayed by current South-East Governors. The stark reality is that while innocent Igbo farmers are subjected to relentless attacks, their leaders remain conspicuously absent from the fight against this palpable jihadist threat. Such lethargy in governance betrays the very essence of leadership and undermines the security and dignity of the Igbo people.

“Let the international community bear witness: Igboland is under siege. Fulani jihadist terrorists have ruthlessly claimed the lives of approximately 300 Igbos in a span of just three months. Ohanaeze Ndigbo now demands an immediate cessation of this conspiracy of silence among our Governors. We call for urgent and decisive action to address the escalating insecurity in our region. Should this inaction persist, the Igbo Nation will be left with no alternative but to seek intervention from President Tinubu. In such a case, we will advocate for the invocation of Section 305 of Nigeria’s Constitution to declare a state of emergency in our beleaguered states.

“Ongoing killings in areas such as Ahuamufu and Okigwe in Enugu and Imo States, respectively, as well as Nkalaaha in Ebonyi State, Uturu in Abia State, and Umunze in Anambra State, must be met with unyielding resistance. We cannot afford further delays. It is utterly unacceptable that our defenceless farmers are denied access to their lands, creating a precarious situation that signals potential food insecurity and shortages for the year 2025. The fear now permeating our communities, which precludes families from returning for the upcoming Easter celebrations, underscores a dire need for immediate intervention.

“Investors are increasingly disillusioned, and the South-East is losing its status as a viable economic destination. We, therefore, extend a clear and unwavering ultimatum: South-East Governors must expel these killer herdsmen from our territories within 30 days. Failure to do so will compel us to appeal for a state of emergency in any state where a governor is paralysed by helplessness or incompetence, thus failing to provide adequate protection for the communities currently living under siege.

“Our demand is simple: the cold feet, cowardice, and half-heartedness surrounding the execution of constitutional responsibilities must end. It is time for our leaders, especially the South-East Governors, to confront the continuous violence perpetuated by rogue elements within our region with the courage and commitment that history, our people, and the present moment demand.

“This is a definitive wake-up call for our governors to earnestly address the grievances of the people and to actively participate in restoring peace and security in the South-East.

“In unity and vigilance, we stand firm.”

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