The Ndigbo Historical Initiative (NHI) has condemned the spate of attacks in the South-East, warning that the situation witnessed in Afghanistan may occur in Igboland.
A statement by the Executive Director, Julie Iregbu-Ihejirika, particularly castigated Igbos who celebrate the “unknown gunmen” for killings and destruction since 2020.
NHI observed that the orgy of violence has been linked to agitations for the country’s split as well as the November 6 governorship elections in Anambra.
The organization lamented the recent murder of persons including Dr Chike Akunyili, security operatives, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, among others.
Iregbu-Ihejirika also decried the buring of the residence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Joe Igbokwe, police stations and Department of State Services (DSS) offices.
She noted that incessant bloodletting and destruction of properties are not part of the tradition of Igbo people.
“Igbos are not known to destroy their brother’s property. We are not known to kill one another. This situation in the land is strange. Sometimes, it seems there could be 5th columnists.
“But the reality is that seeing videos of some of these unknown gunmen being hailed by our people, it is difficult to make the argument of 5th columnists.
“The question is: what has then possessed our people? This new attribute is not in consonance with our history and character trait. We are a people that believe in dialogue and discussion. We keep agreements and life is sarcrosant.”
NHI appealed to those aggrieved to drop their guns “so as not to turn Igboland to Afghanistan”.
The group charged law enforcement agencies to double their efforts to curtail the conflict by making arrests, conducting investigations and putting suspects on trial.
Iregbu-Ihejirika stated that those who commit murder, under whatever name or reason, should be prosecuted.
On Anambra election, the director said the people must be allowed to freely chose who will lead them.
“Nobody, no matter how angry should prevent that civic duty and human right. We call on ndi Anambra to ensure they exercise their universal franchise”, the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the South-East Restoration Vanguard (S-ERV) has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Farouk Yahaya for the commencement of Operation Golden Dawn.
The President, Chris Egbo said the exercise would reduce tension and allow citizens to carry out normal activities.
He added that it would also ensure that the 2021 yuletide is devoid of skirmishes, kidnappings, vandalism, arson and other acts inimical to socio-economic progress.
S-ERV called on Igbos to support the operations of the Army in its efforts to address the security challenges.
“The efforts of the Nigerian Army in the restoration of peace, law and order must not be allowed to go down the drain through any act of sabotage.
“The consequences of such action might be unpalatable given the deliberate efforts by some unscrupulous elements to ruin the economy of the South-East.
“The time for all hands to be on deck to complement security agencies is now. S-ERV believes that peace, law and order shall be restored if they get proper support”, the statement added.
