Tobias Sylvester
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed concern over the orgy of violence that has resulted in destruction of lives and property of Igbo resident in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo in Enugu, the group condemned the dehumanising treatment meted to innocent Igbo at Oyigbo.
It, however, regretted how wrongdoings of some youths from the South-South and South East and “inciting mindless and provocative statements” made abroad by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, inflamed passion on both sides and dovetailed into chaos.
Ohanaeze also regretted that the situation was threatening the cordial relationship existing between the Igbo and “our kit and kin in Rivers State.”
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is seriously disturbed about the degenerating situation in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State,” the statement reads.
“The misdemeanors of some rampaging youths of both South South and South East origin and the inciting mindless and provocative statements made from abroad by the Leader of IPOB which inflamed passions on all sides have landed us in a regrettable situation.
“Pictures on the social media portray very inhuman and degrading treatment meted out on innocent Igbos in Oyigbo.
“Ohanaeze regrets that the friendly and cordial relationship which existed between Igbos 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, Gov 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 Igbos 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.”
KanyiDaily had reported how many residents of Oyigbo fled the area following increased military presence aimed at recovering rifles carted away by IPOB members who killed six of its operatives.
