Nigeria’s foremost Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned Simon Ekpa and his alleged militant group for causing severe economic harm to the Southeast region.
According to the group, the violence and instability fueled by Ekpa’s campaign have led to the loss of over N34 trillion in potential investments, as businesses fled the region in fear.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo criticized Ekpa’s group, which operates under the guise of advocating for Biafran independence.
The group argued that instead of achieving its intended goals, Ekpa’s actions have caused widespread terror, displacement, and economic destruction across the Southeast, according to Politics Nigeria.
The statement revealed that recent statistics show that the region has suffered massive losses, exceeding N34 trillion in investment opportunities across 95 Local Government Areas.
This economic damage, according to Ohanaeze, has affected every Igbo household, with residents enduring violence, abductions, and brutalities under the false pretext of seeking autonomy.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo further questioned the achievements of Ekpa’s faction, pointing out that their actions have not threatened federal economic interests or prompted any meaningful governmental response. Instead, the group has only succeeded in marginalizing the Igbo people and driving away crucial investments from the Southeast.
The organization also condemned Ekpa’s continued push for a Sovereign Biafran Nation, especially his planned declaration on December 2, 2024. Ohanaeze warned that Ekpa’s campaign is not only misguided but detrimental to the future of the region.
Isiguzoro called for unity among the Igbo people and urged them to reject divisive actions, advocating for peaceful and constructive efforts to promote the development and security of the Southeast.
“Recent statistics reveal that Igbos have sustained losses exceeding 34 trillion naira in investment opportunities across our 95 Local Government Areas due to the reign of terror propagated by Ekpa’s faction.
” This is a colossal tragedy that affects every Igbo household, as they endure the personal toll of violence, brutalities, and abductions perpetrated under the guise of seeking autonomy.
“The truth that begs acknowledgement is: what tangible achievements have been realized from this campaign of destruction? Have any of their actions succeeded in threatening federal economic interests or eliciting any substantive governmental response?
“We must be candid. The answer is a resounding no. Rather than destabilizing Nigeria as intended, this group has only succeeded in further marginalizing our people, undermining our communities, and driving investment away from our beloved Southeast,” the statement said.
