Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has strongly criticized Simon Ekpa and his auto-pilot militant group for their violent activities, blaming them for significant economic and social harm in the Southeast region.
In a statement signed by the group’s Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze revealed that the Southeast has suffered investment losses exceeding N34 trillion, with businesses fleeing the region due to the instability caused by Ekpa’s faction.
“Recent statistics show that Igbos have endured losses of over N34 trillion in investment opportunities across our 95 local government areas as a result of the reign of terror instigated by Ekpa’s group,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze accused Ekpa’s faction of using the guise of pursuing Biafran independence to unleash terror, resulting in violence, kidnappings, and economic stagnation. The group questioned the impact of these actions, emphasizing that they have only deepened the region’s challenges rather than achieving any meaningful progress.
“What tangible outcomes have been achieved from this campaign of destruction?” Isiguzoro asked. “Rather than destabilizing Nigeria, this group has further marginalized our people, weakened our communities, and driven investment away from the Southeast.”
Ohanaeze also condemned Ekpa’s planned declaration of a Sovereign Biafran Nation on December 2, 2024, warning that such actions were not only ill-advised but also harmful to the future of the Southeast.
The group urged unity among the Igbo people and called for a rejection of divisive forces. It advocated for peaceful, constructive strategies to promote the region’s development and security.
“The path forward lies in building our communities, not destroying them. It is time to embrace peace and work together for a brighter future,” the statement concluded.