Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned what it described as the deafening silence of South-East governors over the recent killings in the region, warning that their inaction signals a frightening collapse of governance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 8, by its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the killings—allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen—have claimed over 300 lives in just the first quarter of 2025, with no coordinated response from elected leaders.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The group invoked the legacy of past Igbo leaders, stating that such silence would have disappointed historic figures who once stood boldly for the region.
“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.
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“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.”
Ohanaeze also called for global attention to the deteriorating security situation in the region and issued a bold warning to state authorities.
“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,” it said.
The organisation concluded by urging the governors to act decisively.
“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.”