Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has issued a warning to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, demanding swift action over the killing of Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji, Orumba South LGA of Anambra state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group described the June 30 massacre of members of the Ebonyi Welfare Organisation during a peaceful gathering as “barbaric” and “provocative.”
The statement, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president general, and Chief Thompson Ohia, national spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, declared a four-day mourning period in honour of the victims and called for the immediate prosecution of those behind the killings.
The group said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo vehemently condemns the shocking and senseless violence inflicted upon members of the Ebonyi Welfare Organization.
“This massacre represents a deliberate attack on the essence of our humanity, intended to foster hatred, perpetuate violence, and undermine the fragile peace that has long characterised the relationship between the states of Anambra and Ebonyi.”
The group criticised Soludo’s silence since the incident, stating that his failure to issue a statement over 48 hours later raises questions about his commitment to justice.
“The lack of immediate condemnation from your office, Governor Soludo, is alarming and unacceptable.
“The Igbo people require justice and a thorough explanation regarding the atrocities committed against our brethren from Ebonyi State,” the group said.
Ohanaeze also cautioned that continued silence or inaction could fuel reprisals and destabilise long-standing peace between the two southeastern states.
The group stated: “We cannot ignore the precarious state of peace between Anambra and Ebonyi. There are forces—both external and internal—seeking to exacerbate tensions by inciting conflict and instigating reprisal attacks against Anambra natives in Ebonyi.”
They commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his prompt intervention and called on Soludo to show leadership by publicly addressing the people of Ebonyi, paying condolence visits to affected families, and meeting with his Ebonyi counterpart.
“Such gestures will not only demonstrate compassion but will also serve to dispel false narratives that may lead to inter-state conflict,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze warned that the issue could shape Soludo’s political future if not handled with transparency and urgency.
“Let it be known that Ohanaeze stands resolutely behind your government in the pursuit of truth and justice regarding the tragic deaths of innocent Nigerians… But failure to act decisively may cost you the trust of the Igbo people — and your reelection,” the group said.
They concluded by urging for unity and justice, saying, “The time for action is now. Let us unite in the pursuit of peace, justice, and the safeguarding of our shared values.”
