The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern 30-day ultimatum to the governors of the South-East region, demanding they identify and expel killer herdsmen from Igbo forests. The call comes in response to the alarming rise in violent killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, which have claimed over 300 lives in the South-East within the first quarter of 2025.
In a statement signed by the Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group expressed its deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the region, highlighting that the silence and inaction of the South-East Governors in the face of these attacks is unacceptable. The statement was released on Tuesday, April 7, 2025, amid growing fears of further bloodshed and instability in Igbo communities.
According to Isiguzoro, the continued violence perpetrated by herdsmen across the South-East, particularly in rural farming communities, poses an existential threat to the region. He noted that the herdsmen have not only killed hundreds of Igbo people but have also displaced countless others, leaving them unable to access their farmland. This has created the threat of food insecurity, compounded by the fear that the violence could deter investment and economic growth in the region.
“The ongoing killings in places like Ahuamufu and Okigwe in Enugu and Imo States, Nkalaaha in Ebonyi State, Uturu in Abia State, and Umunze in Anambra State must be met with unyielding resistance,” Isiguzoro said. “We cannot afford further delays. It is utterly unacceptable that our defenseless farmers are denied access to their lands, creating a precarious situation that signals potential food shortages for the year 2025.”
The situation has become increasingly dire, with reports suggesting that many farmers are too frightened to return to their lands. The threat of further violence, particularly with the Easter celebrations approaching, has left many families in the region on edge. “The fear now permeating our communities, which precludes families from returning for the upcoming Easter celebrations, underscores the dire need for immediate intervention,” the statement reads.
In the statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed its frustration with the current South-East Governors, accusing them of cowardice and a lack of action. The group reminded the governors of the legacy of great Igbo leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Michael Okpara, Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu, and others, who fought for the safety and prosperity of the Igbo people.
“While innocent Igbo farmers are subjected to relentless attacks, their leaders remain conspicuously absent from the fight against this palpable jihadist threat. Such lethargy in governance betrays the very essence of leadership and undermines the security and dignity of the Igbo people,” Isiguzoro said.
He further emphasized that the inaction of the governors, coupled with the growing sense of fear and insecurity, has become a “dual tragedy” for the Igbo nation. The statement urged the leaders to remember the heroic efforts of their predecessors and take swift, decisive action to protect their people.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has now given the South-East Governors a 30-day deadline to take concrete steps to expel the killer herdsmen from Igbo forests. Failure to comply, the organization warned, would compel them to call for the invocation of a state of emergency in any state where a governor is unable or unwilling to act.
“We extend a clear and unwavering ultimatum: South-East Governors must expel these killer herdsmen from our territories within 30 days. Failure to do so will compel us to appeal for a state of emergency in any state where a governor is paralyzed by helplessness or incompetence, thus failing to provide adequate protection for the communities currently living under siege,” the statement warned.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership has expressed concerns that the continued failure to act against the herdsmen could lead to further erosion of the region’s social and economic fabric. Investors are reportedly becoming increasingly disillusioned with the South-East, and the region risks losing its status as a viable economic destination.
While the group’s primary demand is for the South-East Governors to take action, Ohanaeze Ndigbo also called for federal intervention if the governors fail to act. “Should this inaction persist, the Igbo Nation will be left with no alternative but to seek intervention from President Tinubu. In such a case, we will advocate for the invocation of Section 305 of Nigeria’s Constitution to declare a state of emergency in our beleaguered states,” Isiguzoro said.
This statement is seen as a signal to the federal government that the situation in the South-East has reached a breaking point, and urgent intervention is needed. The threat of a state of emergency would bring federal military and security forces into the region, which some view as necessary to restore order and protect lives.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also made a direct appeal to the international community, urging them to pay attention to the escalating violence in Igbo land. “Let the international community bear witness: Igboland is under siege. Fulani jihadist terrorists have ruthlessly claimed the lives of approximately 300 Igbos in a span of just three months,” the statement reads.
The group’s plea for international attention underscores the seriousness of the situation. The killing of over 300 people in such a short period of time, combined with the ongoing violence, has left many in the region feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
In the final part of the statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo issued a rallying cry for Igbo leaders to confront the violence head-on, with the courage and resolve that is necessary to ensure the security and prosperity of the region.
“Our demand is simple: the cold feet, cowardice, and half-heartedness surrounding the execution of constitutional responsibilities must end. It is time for our leaders, especially the South-East Governors, to confront the continuous violence perpetuated by rogue elements within our region with the courage and commitment that history, our people, and the present moment demand,” the statement concluded.
The 30-day ultimatum reflects the growing frustration among Igbo leaders and the general populace regarding the lack of action against the deadly herdsmen attacks. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the South-East Governors to see if they will take the necessary steps to restore peace and security to their communities, or if Ohanaeze Ndigbo will follow through with their call for federal intervention.
