The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has alleged that it alerted Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State four days before suspected Fulani herdsmen struck at Amegu Nkalaha community in the lshielu LGA of the state.
The attack which occurred on Sunday, February 2, claimed several lives while property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council spoke in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka.
The statement added, “Our findings indicate that Fulani herdsmen are expanding their presence in Ebonyi State, posing a significant threat of additional attacks if Governor Francis Nwifuru remains inactive, which may lead to further loss of life in Ebonyi State.
“Unfortunately, we have governors in South-East who are perceived as uncooperative regarding insecurity, demonstrating a lackadaisical attitude which has led to frequent incidents of killings, kidnapping, banditry and arson in the South-East.
“Evidently, Governor Francis Nwifuru has been ineffective in ensuring the safety of lives and properties in Ebonyi, raising concerns about his capacity, ability, and dedication to resolving the Fulani herdsmen violence in Ebonyi State.
“We trust that Governor Francis Nwifuru and his team will carefully examine the various locations mentioned in the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) press statement issued at Abakiliki on 29th January 2025.
“In the press statement, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) proposed a solution to the insecurity in Ebonyi State, and we anticipate a responsible and responsive government to act promptly without delay or procrastination.”
The Ohanaeze youth wing condemned a press statement released by President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ebonyi State chapter, Barrister Justice Chibuzora Okoha, which expressed support for Nwifuru’s administration.
“Regrettably, a defense and response on behalf of Gov Francis Nwifuru should not have emanated from Ohanaeze Ndigbo (parental body) Ebonyi State chapter, but rather from Gov Francis Nwifuru’s Commissioner of Information or SA on Media.
“Politics of stomach infrastructure has led Barrister Justice Chibuzor Okoha to compromise his socio-cultural responsibility to advocate for Ndigbo in Ebonyi State, instead becoming the spokesperson for Gov. Francis Nwifuru.
“I advise Most Distinguished Sen. John Azuta Mbata, the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to caution Barr. Justice Chibuzor Okoha and his team who have already become stooges to Gov Francis Nwifuru.
The body stated that the Ohanaeze Youth Council, which represents the interests of over 50 million Igbo youths, will not accept any leadership dereliction from Ohanaeze Ndigbo state presidents.
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