Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nigeria’s apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has condemned the actions of Simon Ekpa and his auto-pilot militant group, asserting that their violent campaign has caused severe harm to the Southeast region
According to the group, the southeast lost over N34 trillion in investment opportunities as businesses fled from the region due to the instability and fear created by Ekpa and his group.
They pointed out that Ekpa’s group, under the guise of seeking Biafran independence, has instead brought about a wave of terror, displacement, and economic destruction.
A statement signed by the group’s secretary general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that: “Recent statistics reveal that Igbos have sustained losses exceeding 34 trillion naira in investment opportunities across our 95 Local Government Areas due to the reign of terror propagated by Ekpa’s faction.
“This is a colossal tragedy that affects every Igbo household, as they endure the personal toll of violence, brutalities, and abductions perpetrated under the guise of seeking autonomy.
“The truth that begs acknowledgement is: what tangible achievements have been realized from this campaign of destruction? Have any of their actions succeeded in threatening federal economic interests or eliciting any substantive governmental response?
“We must be candid. The answer is a resounding no. Rather than destabilizing Nigeria as intended, this group has only succeeded in further marginalizing our people, undermining our communities, and driving investment away from our beloved Southeast.”
The apex Igbo sociocultural group also condemned Ekpa’s ongoing campaign for a Sovereign Biafran Nation, particularly his planned declaration on December 2, 2024.
The organization warned that Ekpa’s actions were not only misguided but detrimental to the future of the Southeastern region.
Isiguzoro called for unity within the Igbo nation and urged the people to reject the divisive forces at play, advocating instead for peaceful, constructive efforts to ensure the region’s development and security.