The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned what it describes as “egregious reports detailing the brutal killings of over 300 individuals in the Southeast during the first quarter of 2025.”
The organization warned that the rising violence and the silence of Southeast Governors in the face of the bloodshed represent “a dual tragedy that the Igbo Nation categorically deems unacceptable.”
In a statement signed by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said the “inaction observed among our political leaders especially the Southeast 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.”
Referencing prominent Igbo leaders of the past, the organization lamented the current state of leadership in the region.
“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 Southeast Governors,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze stated that the lack of response to these attacks has allowed terror to spread unchecked, with “innocent Igbo farmers… subjected to relentless attacks,” while those in power remain “conspicuously absent from the fight against this palpable jihadist threat.”
The organization warned that “Igboland is under siege,” and that the international community must take notice of the atrocities.
It stated that “Fulani jihadist terrorists have ruthlessly claimed the lives of approximately 300 Igbos in a span of just three months,” and demanded “an immediate cessation of this conspiracy of silence among our Governors.”
Calling for “urgent and decisive action,” Ohanaeze threatened that continued inaction would force the group to “seek intervention from President Tinubu,” and push for “the invocation of Section 305 of Nigeria’s Constitution to declare a state of emergency in our beleaguered states.”
Citing specific areas—including Ahuamufu and Okigwe in Enugu and Imo States, Nkalaaha in Ebonyi State, Uturu in Abia State, and Umunze in Anambra State—Ohanaeze called for “unyielding resistance” against further attacks.
It warned that if the crisis is not addressed, it could lead to “food insecurity and shortages for the year 2025,” as farmers are unable to access their lands.
The fear now gripping the region, the statement noted, has discouraged many families from returning for Easter celebrations.
“Investors are increasingly disillusioned, and the Southeast is losing its status as a viable economic destination,” it added.
Issuing a firm ultimatum, the organization declared, “Southeast Governors must expel these killer herdsmen from our territories within 30 days. Failure to do so will compel us to appeal for a state of emergency in any state where a Governor is paralyzed by helplessness or incompetence.”
“Our demand is simple,” the statement concluded. “The cold feet, cowardice, and half-heartedness surrounding the execution of constitutional responsibilities must end.
“It is time for our leaders especially the Southeast Governors to confront the continuous violence perpetuated by rogue elements within our region with the courage and commitment that history, our people, and the present moment demand.
“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 Southeast.”
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