Ohanaeze Elders Declare: No More Tolerance for Unprovoked Attacks Against Igbo People

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders has taken a strong stance against the continued marginalization and attacks on Igbos in Nigeria. In a communique issued after an emergency virtual meeting, the Council declared that Igbos would no longer stand idly by while their kinsmen are being maimed, killed, or attacked without provocation in any part of Nigeria. The Council reviewed the travails of Igbos living in Lagos before, during, and after the 2023 general elections and took far-reaching resolutions to guarantee the future of Igbos in Nigeria.

The Council noted that Igbos were very instrumental in Nigeria’s political independence in 1960 and have continued to sacrifice and contribute significantly to the unity and development of Nigeria. However, they are often subjected to slave treatment, which is unacceptable. To this end, the Council directed Ohanaeze Ndigbo to set up an Emergency Telephone Line where Igbos in Lagos who are victimized because of their Igbo origin can report.

The Council also resolved to probe the attacks against Igbo interests in Lagos in the aftermath of the elections and take necessary local and international steps to make the perpetrators pay for their evil. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will ensure that all perpetrators of these criminal activities are brought to book and adequate reparation/compensations paid to the victims. The Council further resolved to set up a high-powered delegation of Ndigbo to engage the Lagos State Governor, as well as Yoruba Leaders, to ensure a harmonious relationship between the Igbo and their Yoruba hosts.

The delegation is also to meet with the Federal Government on how to safeguard the security and protection of Ndigbo living in any part of Nigeria. The Elders will formally petition the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces President Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR, expressing their sadness and disappointment over this unfortunate development. They also intend to send a protest letter to the National Assembly and other relevant agencies to express their feelings.

The Council advised Igbos living in Lagos to remain calm and go about their normal businesses while Ohanaeze Ndigbo takes necessary steps to protect their interests. Signatories to the communique include notable personalities such as Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chairman, Ohanaeze Council of Elders; Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo; and Chief Simon Okeke, among others.

In summary, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders is taking a strong stance against the marginalization and attacks on Igbos in Nigeria. They are committed to protecting the interests of Igbos living in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria and have taken far-reaching resolutions to achieve this goal. They have also directed the relevant authorities to take necessary steps to bring the perpetrators of these criminal activities to book and ensure adequate compensation for victims.