As Nigerians continue to grapple with issues of insecurity across the country, the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, declared on Sunday that it would defend every single soul in Igbo land.
This came the same day the South-East Governors’ Forum unveiled more plans for its regional security network, which it said was at an advanced stage.
Chairman of the Forum, Engr. David Umahi had while briefing journalists after a meeting at the Enugu Government House, said the zone had already written the Federal Government on the security network.
On the part of Ohanaeze, it resolved during Imeobi, (the highest decision making body of the group) that the people of the zone would henceforth protect themselves.
In a statement issued after the meeting and read by the President General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Ohanaeze said “having extensively considered and deliberated the lone agenda of the meeting, which is “Security in Ala Igbo”, and having discussed exhaustively and with deep trepidation, the deteriorating security condition in the South East and nationwide, the assembly resolves as follows:
“Ohanaeze hereby states categorically that Ndigbo will not stand by and watch their people slaughtered.
“That Ohanaeze will defend every soul in Igbo land.
“Ohaneze hereby nominate, activate and direct the council of elders made up of reputable Igbo personalities and leaders to engage Ohaneze state governors immediately on prevailing security challenges.
“Finally Ohaneze reminds Ndigbo that there has been difficulties in security in our history in Nigeria: In all these our determination to protect our home lands and families against aggressors has never wavered and we have always relied on our ingenuity and vigilance to ensure our survival. Let nobody take us for granted.”
