Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has issued the Nigeria Police Force and other sister security agencies a seven-day ultimatum to fish out perpetrators of the massacre of people of Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Recall that Fulani herdsmen had allegedly attacked the community on Sunday evening killing many people and leaving others injured.
Speaking after an emergency National Executive Committee Meeting of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, National leader of the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said the youths would resort to self help in an event of failure to their demands.
He said: “We condemn in strong terms the massacre of our people in Nimbo, Uzo Uwani LGA by Fulani Herdsmen and their criminal gang of marauding compatriots.
“It is no longer news that these Fulani terrorists and their enablers have continued this ethnic cleansing, in the guise of Farmers/Herders crisis.
“Hundreds have lost their lives, with thousands displaced from their homes; and till this day, not one individual has been arrested, indicted, or brought to justice.
“Government at all levels have failed to take responsibility, neither did they address the issue nor provide adequate succour to the victims. This is INJUSTICE.
“It is imperative to remind Nigerians that it was this same senseless killings and neglect of government responsibilities that brought the unfortunate civil war that cost us fortunes.
“On this note, we the Igbo Youths hereby give the Nigeria Police Force and her Sister Agencies a seven-day ultimatum to fish out the perpetrators or leave us with no choice but to take our destiny in our own hands.
“Self Defense is a Fundamental Human Right, and we shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring we are not victimised nor undermined by anybody. Enough is Enough.”
Regretting that insecurity has become a national challenge which must be attended to with utmost consciousness and caution to maximise impact, Ohanaeze youths urged the Federal Government to review her tactics and consider the application of Non-kinetic and political solutions in addressing the impasse.
“We reiterate our call for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been undergoing endless trials for treasonous offense in defiance to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction which directed his unconditional release.
“We use this opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude to all men of good conscience and other Nigerians who work day and night for the restoration of peace and stability in Alaigbo and Nigeria at large.”
The youths further expressed worry over what they described as the erroneous assumption and impression made to pitch Ndigbo against the performing FCT Minister- Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike.
They maintained that the said individual or group does not speak for Ndigbo.
“It is instructive to note that the Ukachukwu Brothers are law-abiding citizens, with National Honours, who acquired their wealth through dint of hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence; and have contributed immensely to Peace, Development and overall wellbeing of the FCT.
“Nevertheless, it is a pure business matter that must be handled within the ambit of Law, and not with ethnic sentiments.
“It is on this note that we call on Nigerians to disregard the unguided utterances of the said group, as their opinions do not represent Igbo Position.”