Kidnappings, killings: S’East group faults Soludo on 99 percent culprits being Igbos

A South-East group, World Igbo National Union (WINU) has kicked against the revelation by Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State that 99 percent of those behind killings in the South-East are Igbos.
Soludo had while addressing a gathering at the United States of America, revealed that 99 percent of the suspects arrested for killings and kidnappings in the state are Igbos.

He said this contrary to widely held views that Fulani herdsmen were behind such crimes.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the WINU condemned the governor’s statement, describing it as surprising.

It said they were shocked that the Anambra state governor “would deliberately stand outside the home shore of Igbo land to make such a bogus and flattering claim that 99.9% percent of armed criminals illegally occupying our forest are Igbo people.”;

In the statement signed by Comrade Ifeanyi Uwakwa, Publicity Secretary, WINU, he said Soludo made such claims without substantiating it.

“It is an irresponsible speech without evidence to show.

“We quickly categorically say that the assertion is really irresponsible and condemnable coming from someone of his educational standard.

“We demand that he tenders his evidence that supports his USA speech, or he should tender a public apology on his insensitive and callous claims made just to appease his political sponsors.

“Foreign and local reports showed that the Fulani herdsmen wielding sophisticated guns occupying our farmlands and forest and killing members of our families are sponsored,”; it said.

The group went further to say that Governor Soludo’s assertion was a case without merit, alleging that some groups in the state, identified as “Ndi Aka Odo and Ndi Udo Ga Chi”; were also instigating insecurity in the state.

It advised the governor to work with thorough investigation on such claims.

“His claims are without merit and should be verifiable with technology.

“We implore Governor Soludo to follow the lead of his counterpart in Abia State and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against the activities of armed groups that endanger our communities.

“The people of Anambra State have already expressed unequivocally their rejection of any proposals for RUGA settlements, and it is time for the governor to reverse this misguided stance to protect our communities rather than cater to political advantages.

“Fulani terrorist herdsmen have been terrorizing Anambra communities like Mgbakwu, Igboariam, Umueri, Umunze, Ogbunka and Amansea.

“Why is the governor covering up atrocities of these Fulani terrorist herdsmen in Igbo land and accusing the victims to be the terrorists.

“The framing of victims as perpetrators is a shameful tactic and must cease.

“In conclusion, we stand united in our call for truth, accountability, and the protection of our land and people from all forms of violence and incursion.

“We urge Governor Soludo to align himself with the aspirations of the Igbo people rather than the interests of any external political actors,”; the group concluded.