From Femi Mustapha and Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, has called on the federal government to crush the new terror group as the lives of Igbo traders are in danger in the Kebbi and Sokoto.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Maxi Okechukwu Isiguzoro which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The group noted that “it finds it imperative to address with the utmost urgency the disturbing rise of a new terrorist entity known as “LAKURAWA.” Operating primarily in Kebbi and Sokoto States, this group poses an imminent threat not just to the fabric of local governance but, more critically, to the lives and livelihoods of Igbo compatriots who reside in the Northwest.
The statement noted: “Recent reports bring to light the harrowing reality that LAKURAWA has forcibly displaced traditional rulers within Kebbi, stripping them of their authority and assuming grotesque roles of governance.
“These terrorists now act as self-appointed adjudicators, meddling in the administration of justice and conducting illegal trials under the guise of traditional leadership. This flagrant usurpation of power is an affront to the rule of law and cannot be allowed to continue unchallenged.”
In light of these distressing developments, the apex Igbo group said the safety of Igbo communities in Kebbi is gravely compromised.
“We have received numerous accounts detailing the perilous circumstances faced by Igbo traders, whose economic activities have been drastically curtailed due to the menacing presence of LAKURAWA.
“Reports of forced robberies of goods and, tragically, the death of Igbo citizens—among the casualties of LAKURAWA — paint a dire picture that we can no longer ignore.
“The Governor of Kebbi State appears overwhelmed and seemingly unable to conjure the requisite resources or will to fulfill his constitutional duty of safeguarding the lives and properties of all citizens in his care.
“This state of inertia is unacceptable. It is imperative that the Federal Government spring into action and provide unequivocal support to Dr. Bello Matawelle, the Minister of State for Defence, as he undertakes the monumental task of restoring order and security in the region.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has uniquely empowered Ministers of State with enhanced responsibilities, we urge Dr Matawelle to embrace this call to action.
“Our collective confidence in his capabilities bolsters our expectation that he can dismantle the burgeoning LAKURAWA menace before it evolves into a more robust and dangerous jihadist threat akin to the likes of Boko Haram”.
While LAKURAWA may currently lack the sophistication or operational breadth of Boko Haram, we must not underestimate the potential for this group’s capabilities to expand rapidly.
“History has shown us that if swift and decisive action is not taken, the progenitors of terror can swiftly transform into entrenched, multifaceted organizations with transnational reach, wreaking havoc on innocent lives and destabilizing entire regions.
“We, hereby, urge President Tinubu to take the necessary measures to mobilize all essential resources and coordinate with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to ensure that both strategic and tactical military actions are geared towards annihilating LAKURAWA promptly. The stakes could not be higher, and the safety of countless lives hangs in the balance.
Furthermore, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon Minister Dr. Bello Matawalle to manifest his resolve using all available means to restore peace and security to Igbo communities in Kebbi. The time for action is now; complacency will only further embolden this affront to our collective dignity and rights.
“We reassert our commitment to the safety and welfare of all Igbo citizens, regardless of their location. The emergence of LAKURAWA must be met with strength, unity, and unwavering resolve. Our voices will not be silent, and we shall advocate tirelessly until every Nigerian can live free from the grip of terror and fear,” the statement added.
