Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the alleged killing of Igbo youths by the Nigeria Military in Oyigbo, Rivers, State, saying that the development was threatening the cordial relationship between the Igbos and Rivers State.
The social media has been awash with photos and videos showing soldiers allegedly subjecting some Igbo youths in Oyigbo to inhuman and degrading treatment.and killing some of them.
The development followed attacks on security operatives during the EndSARS protest violence, which Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike blamed on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Similar violent acts occurred in Enugu, Owerri, Calabar, Aba, Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, Benin City, Abuja and most parts of the country.
The Rivers case was not therefore unique and or exceptional just as no specific group was identified as driving that nationwide show of emotion which after soldiers had allegedly shot and killed hitherto #Endsars at Lekki tollgate.
A police station was reportedly set ablaze while some security operatives were reportedly killed as a result of the attack.
In a statement, entitled ‘The degenerating situation in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt’, the President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, regretted the reports from Oyigbo.
Nwodo said: “Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide is seriously disturbed about the degenerating situation in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“The misdemeanour of some rampaging youths of both the South-South and South-East origin, and the inciting, mindless and provocative statement that was made from abroad by the leader of IPOB, which inflamed passions on all sides, has landed us in a regrettable situation.
“Pictures on social media portray very inhuman and degrading treatment meted to innocent Igbo in Oyigbo.
“Ohaneze regrets that the friendly and cordial relationship, which existed between the Igbo and our kit and kin in Rivers State is threatened by this development.
“So also is the threat to our solidarity with PANDEF and the entire people of the South-South region of Nigeria.
“We are in consultation with the chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Dave Umahi, who has kindly volunteered to arrange a meeting between us, Igbo leaders, and the Governor of Rivers State to arrest further drift of this dangerous development.
“Innocent Igbo in Rivers State, who are caught in between this sad development and whose lives and livelihood are threatened by it are assured that help is on the way and that Igbo leaders will never abandon them.,’ Nwodo said.