The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has threatened that it may be forced to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the South East if the state of insecurity persists in the region.
The group expressed dissatisfaction with the silence of political leaders, particularly the governors of the region, in the face of escalating killings and widespread insecurity.
According to Ohanaeze, over 300 lives were lost in the first quarter of 2025 alone due to the violence, which the organisation believes is primarily orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen.
In a press statement signed by the Deputy President General of the organization, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group called for an immediate and decisive action from the South East governors to curb the killings.
It noted that the failure to address the worsening security situation will leave the body with no option but to request for intervention from the federal government.
Isiguzoro, emphasised that if the governors do not act within a 30-day ultimatum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will seek the invocation of Section 305 of the constitution, which allows for the declaration of a state of emergency.
The group stated that the state of emergency, specially be targeted at states where the governors are perceived as inactive or ineffective in protecting the lives and property of citizens.
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The organization pointed out specific regions suffering from the attacks, namely, Ehamufu and Okigwe in Enugu and Imo States respectively, Nkalaaha in Ebonyi State, Uturu in Abia State, and Umunze in Anambra State.
Ohanaeze condemned what it described as the lackadaisical attitude of governors in the region in resisting the attacks, calling it a failure of leadership and governance.
“There can be no further delays. It is completely unacceptable that our defenseless farmers are being prevented from accessing their lands, threatening food security for the entire region.
“The growing fear among our people, which has even kept families from returning home for the upcoming Easter celebrations, makes it clear that the situation has reached a critical point,” the statement said.
Additionally, the organisation voiced concern over the negative impact of the insecurity on the region’s economy, with many investors growing disillusioned by the worsening conditions.
Ohanaeze stressed that the South East is rapidly losing its status as a viable economic destination and warned that the continued passivity of political leaders could further damage the future of the region.
The group charged the governors to expel the so-called killer herdsmen from the region within the next 30 days or face the consequences.
They urged the governors to take decisive action and confront the violence head-on with the seriousness and urgency that the situation demands.
The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, in conclusion, called on the governors to rise to the occasion, by showing courage, leadership, and a commitment to restoring peace and security in the region, noting that the people of the South East are counting on their leaders to deliver.
