"Yuletide Safety: Ohanaeze Urges South-East Governors to Strengthen Security Against Terrorism"

Table of Contents

• Call for Enhanced Security
• Appeal for Free Transportation
• Governors' Responsibility
• Official Statement
• Support from Nigerian Military
• Establishment of Military Training Depot

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the governors of the South-East to ensure adequate security measures are in place to counteract terrorist threats in the region during the Christmas season.

The organization also requested that the governors provide free transportation options for Igbos traveling from Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and other northern states, as current transportation costs are excessively high.

Ohanaeze highlighted that many individuals are unable to afford the journey home to reunite with their families, noting that the widespread insecurity, particularly in the South-East, heightens the concerns of those who might otherwise consider enduring the financial burden to return.

It emphasized that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as the steadfast advocate and protector of Igbo interests, is compelled to call for immediate and decisive actions from the governors.

The pan-Igbo group insisted that the South-East governors, who are responsible for the welfare and security of the Igbo population, must promptly address these pressing issues.

This information was included in a statement released on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, the national spokesperson, which was shared with journalists.

Parts of the statement read, “We urge the immediate dispatch of at least 250 Free Christmas Buses (50 buses per state) or even more, to various designated locations in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and other areas with significant Igbo populations.

“This initiative is vital to ensure the safe and affordable return of our people to their families during this festive season. They must acknowledge and fulfill their constitutional duty as the Chief Security Officers of their respective states.

“Concrete and proactive measures must be taken to strengthen security protocols along all border communities in Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States. This is a crucial preventive step to protect our people from any potential terrorist activities or violence, particularly from fleeing bandits from the North.

“Let it be clear that any Governor who ignores these urgent calls to action—who fails to provide the necessary support for our people’s return and does not ensure their safety and property during this Christmas season—will face the unwavering judgment of the Ndigbo.”

The organization commended the Nigerian military’s coordinated efforts, along with other security agencies, which have contributed to restoring normalcy in many areas, thereby creating a safer environment for our people to return home.

Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognized the strategic significance of President Bola Tinubu’s establishment of a military training depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

It stated that this initiative, which breaks from historical norms that confined such facilities to the northern regions since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, represents a significant advancement.

Furthermore, this strategic move has the potential to encourage Igbo youths to consider military service, thereby assisting in alleviating the ongoing security challenges facing the South-East.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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