The apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said that their findings revealed that Igbos have sustained losses exceeding N34 trillion in investment opportunities across their 95 Local Government Areas due to an alleged reign of terror propagated by one Mr Simon Ekpa’s group.
The Ohaneze Ndigbo said that the colossal tragedy affects every Igbo household, as they endure the personal toll of violence, brutalities, and abductions perpetrated under the guise of seeking autonomy.
A press statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General Ohaneze Ndigbo during the weekend stated, “The truth that begs acknowledgement is: what tangible achievements have been realized from this campaign of destruction? Has any of their actions succeeded in threatening federal economic interests or eliciting any substantive governmental response?”
He explained that it is compelling to address the alarming declarations allegedly made by Simon Ekpa and his associates regarding the unmandated declaration of a Sovereign Biafran Nation on December 2, 2024.
“This urgent press release serves to clarify the consequences of these actions, which will not only fail to impact Nigeria but will significantly exacerbate the ongoing destruction of the Southeastern region.
“Following a thorough examination of the destructive activities pursued by Simon Ekpa and his dissident faction over the past three years, it has become abundantly clear that their actions have created a maelstrom of violence and suffering. The region—once celebrated for its educational excellence, cultural richness, and economic prosperity—has been reduced to a shell of its former self. As businesses flee from instability and fear grips our communities, we find ourselves in mourning not just for lost investments, but for the very essence of Igbo identity itself.
“We must be candid. The answer is a resounding no. They only succeeded in further marginalizing our people, undermining our communities, and driving investment away from our beloved Southeast. In contrast, the Federal Government has remained unyielding, dispatching military assets to suppress the criminalities that have stunted our growth, resulting in a more heavily policed region that has lost its appeal for both local and foreign investors.
“Ohaneze Ndigbo vehemently calls upon all individuals involved in the gatherings in Finland to understand that they do not have the legitimate authority to speak or act on behalf of the Igbo populace at home and in the diaspora. Their forthcoming declaration of independence is not only audacious but entirely unfounded. It is a reckless endeavour that could elevate tensions and provoke further military action against our region during a season that should be characterized by unity and celebration.
“We implore those aligned with Simon Ekpa’s faction—social media content creators, in particular—to reconsider their misguided path, as their actions pose a tangible threat not only to our social fabric but also to their own families and communities. The fallout of such reckless defiance could incite a military presence that exacerbates the humanitarian crisis during the holiday season, further entrenching suffering among the very people these dissidents claim to represent.
“Moreover, we wish to make it abundantly clear: any escalation resulting from these declarations will only serve to complicate Simon Ekpa’s legal challenges in Finland. The Finnish government will likely utilize any counteractions as critical evidence that could accelerate his prosecution by May 2025, thus magnifying his woes and displaying a complete disregard for the safety and dignity of our people”.
