Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the South-East governors to provide adequate security to checkmate terrorist elements within the zone during the Yuletide season.
The organisation also appealed to the governors to provide free buses to convey Igbos from Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and other northern states due to exorbitant transportation costs.
Ohanaeze stated that many people are unable to afford the journey home to reunite with their families, nothing that the pervasive atmosphere of insecurity, particularly within the South-East, further exacerbates the anxieties of those who might otherwise consider braving the financial strain to return.
It noted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as the unwavering voice and custodian of Igbo interests, is duty-bound to demand immediate and decisive action from the governors.
The pan-Igbo group insisted that South-East governors, as those entrusted with the welfare and security of the Igbo populace, must urgently address these critical issues.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy- President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, national spokesperson, and made available to journalists.
Parts of the statement read, “Immediately dispatch a minimum of 250 Free Christmas Buses (50 buses per state) or an even greater number, to various designated locations within Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and other areas where significant populations of Igbo reside.
“This initiative is essential to facilitate the safe and affordable return of our people to their families during this festive period.Recognize and fulfill their constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officers within their respective states.
“They must take concrete and proactive measures to fortify security protocols along all border communities in Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States.This is a crucial preemptive action to safeguard our people from any potential terrorist incursions or acts of violence, especially by fleeing bandit elements from the North.
“Let it be known, that any Governor who disregards these critical calls to action – who fails to provide the necessary assistance in facilitating the return of our people and fails to adequately secure their lives and properties during this Yuletide season – will face the uncompromising judgment of the Ndigbo.”
The body commended the Nigerian military’s concerted actions, in conjunction with other security agencies, which have contributed to the restoration of normalcy in many areas, creating a safer environment for our people to return to their homes.
Further, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledged the strategic importance of President Bola Tinubu’s establishment of a military training depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
It said this initiative, breaking with historical precedent which limited such facilities to the northern regions since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, is a significant step.
Adding that the strategic move holds the potential to inspire Igbo youths to embrace military service and, consequently, aid in mitigating the lingering security challenges that affect the South-East.
Yuletide: Provide security to stop terrorists – Ohanaeze tells South-East govs
