The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has expressed outrage over the reported threats against the Igbo community in Lagos and other Southwest states.
The hashtag #IgboMustGo has been trending on social media platform X, calling for the forced relocation of Igbo people from these regions.
Former Nigerian Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar condemned the threats, labelling them as divisive and harmful to national peace and security.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, warned that any attack on the Igbo people would result in severe consequences. Nnabuike emphasised that the Igbo people have endured unprovoked attacks for too long and will no longer remain silent.
“We want to unequivocally declare today that Ndigbo are not cowards; our forefathers were not cowards; they were brave and so are we. We warn those fanning these embers of discord not to mistake our calmness for weakness. Any attack on Ndigbo will be met with unimaginable revenge,” Nnabuike stated.
He criticised the persistent targeting of the Igbo community, highlighting their historical suffering during crises in Nigeria. Nnabuike referenced the recent decision of the Igbo people to abstain from protests to avoid being unfairly labelled, yet still facing threats.
“Enough is enough. Any attempt to spill the blood of an Igbo person or destroy their properties will be met with equal retaliation. We call on Ndigbo to reside and conduct business anywhere in the country without fear,” he added.
The Ohanaeze Youth President called on security agencies to arrest those behind the genocidal threats, warning that failure to do so would imply complicity. He urged the Federal Government to take swift action against the instigators to restore public confidence.
Nnabuike reiterated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging the establishment of the South East Development Commission and advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, additional states for the Southeast, and balanced appointments reflecting federal character principles.
