Due to the unabated increase of insecurity in the country, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to consider the viability of legalising light arms bearing for all adult Nigerians to safeguard Christian and Muslim worshippers during their religious activities.
Ohanaeze also called upon the South East governors to execute the recent Federal Government ban on open grazing, with utmost urgency and commitment to enforce severe penalties for violators.
The pan lgbo organisation said that the announcement of this ban must reflect its critical importance in securing the region, adding that it should include stringent consequences for any trespassers, including Fulani herdsmen found encroaching upon farmlands and forests.
This was contained in a joint statement issued on Monday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the National Spokesperson, Chief Chinenyeze Ohia.
“After a prolonged period marred by insecurity and violence, particularly due to the actions of Fulani herdsmen and certain violent Biafra agitators, we are heartened to report a significant decline in these tensions.,” it stated.
The organisation stated that the remarkable improvement is a testament to the timely and decisive interventions from President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawelle, and the governors of the South East.
“Their commendable mobilisation of joint security forces, spearheaded by the Nigerian Army, has successfully driven away the bandits, kidnappers, organ harvesters, and violent non-state actors that once plagued our communities.
“We have observed with gratitude that peace is gradually being restored in villages and towns across the region, allowing displaced citizens to return home and reclaim their lives ahead of the Yuletide season.
“As we celebrate these achievements, Ohanaeze Ndigbo must urgently convey a pressing warning to the Federal Government and the governors of the South East. We are witnessing the ominous signs of potential incursions by Northern ISWAP bandits and Boko Haram terrorists.
“The recent spike in violence, terrorist activities, and rising tensions in the North Central states of Kwara, Niger, Benue, and Kogi places our region squarely in their sights.
“As the Nigerian military continues to engage these elements in the North, intelligence suggests the South East and South South regions may soon be viewed by these Northern bandits as their next refuge.
“In light of these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo advocates for the immediate establishment of local vigilante groups across all 95 local government areas in the South East. This measure is not merely proactive; it is essential for consolidating the peace that we have only recently begun to experience.
“Given the historical context, we unequivocally hold accountable any SE-governor who falls short in establishing the necessary security measures, thereby neglecting their obligation to protect their citizens from possible invasions by Northern ISWAP bandits and Boko Haram terrorist groups this Yuletide season.
“Furthermore, we draw attention to the alarming reports and visual evidence circulating on social media, which show a considerable number of Northern youths traversing our cities and towns while operating Bhajaj motorcycles—vehicles typically associated with terrorism in the North.
“This unsettling trend necessitates that the residents of the South East remain vigilant. Should security breaches occur, we are compelled to advocate for the right to self-defense, which must be exercised judiciously and only as a last resort.
“We call for robust communication with the Meyitti Allah groups responsible for cattle herders nationwide, emphasising that any breaches will not be tolerated. In an era of escalating insecurity, the ability to protect oneself must be recognised as a fundamental right,” the statement read.