Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has commended Finnish authorities for arresting Simon Ekpa, describing the development as a critical step toward restoring peace and stability in the southeast region of Nigeria.
In a statement released by the group’s Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed relief, noting that Ekpa’s activities over the past three years had caused significant hardship in the region.
The organization highlighted the severe impact of Ekpa’s enforcement of the Monday Sit-At-Home order, which crippled economic activities in the southeast.
It estimated that investments worth over ₦22 trillion were lost due to the directive, while communities suffered from fear and stagnation.
Ohanaeze also pointed to the terror spread by an armed faction loyal to Ekpa, which deepened insecurity in the region.
They lamented that Igbo people, still traumatized by the painful memories of the Biafra War, had grown increasingly anxious about the possibility of renewed conflict.
Describing Ekpa’s arrest as a turning point, Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed hope that it would discourage future attempts to incite unrest in the southeast. The group emphasized that this development marks a significant step toward averting a second Biafra War and fostering long-term peace in the region.
