KEY POINTS
- Bianca Ojukwu says South East insecurity is caused by opportunistic criminals taking advantage of separatist movements.
- Killings, kidnappings and the grab of community farmlands by armed invaders are part of insecurity.
- They made calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, and also called on the five South East governors to collaborate to resolve the crisis.
According to the late Biafra leader’s widow, Bianca Ojukwu, insecurity in South East Nigeria will not cease anytime soon.
Bianca however, spoke at the annual convention of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), in Charlotte, North Carolina, saying insecurity is nationwide but opportunist criminals have exploited separatist agitations in South East to perpetrate heinous crimes.
According to Bianca, in her address as the Special Guest of Honour during the event, she seemed worried over the sustained deviation of violent acts explained in its land annexation by armed herdsmen, devastating and terrible effects on Igbo communities, which have been crippled with how people cannot go to their farms or carry out any kind of economic or social activities.
Opportunistic criminals have taken advantage of the separatist movement, committing these crimes and threatening to overwhelm the capacity of security forces, she said.
Nnamdi kanu’s release and collaborative effort appeals
The worsening security situation in the South East has been a concern to Bianca and she has called on the five state governors of the zone to work together in finding a solution.
She also repeated demands for the release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, saying his freedom would likely help to calm things in the region. She also said *“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is critical to restoring peace in Igboland.”*
Bringing together military personnel, industry leaders, and representatives from North Carolina’s Governor’s office, the AVID 2024 conference focused on pressing issues affecting the Igbo homeland, and strategized on moving the Igboland forward.
According to Vanguard, keeping South East Nigeria secure remains a huge challenge, so Ojukwu’s call for unity and a strategic response should be taken seriously because it is a wake up call for all stakeholders to cooperate in order to protect the security of the region and bring back stability.
