Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people of Nigeria, has strongly criticized Simon Ekpa and his militant auto-pilot group, asserting that their violent activities have inflicted significant damage on the Southeast region.
The organization revealed that the region has suffered losses exceeding N34 trillion in investment opportunities as businesses have withdrawn due to the instability and fear instigated by Ekpa and his faction.
According to the group, while claiming to advocate for Biafran independence, Ekpa’s group has instead unleashed a wave of terror, displacement, and economic ruin.
In a statement from the group’s Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, it was noted: “Recent data indicates that Igbos have incurred losses surpassing 34 trillion naira in investment prospects across our 95 Local Government Areas due to the climate of fear fostered by Ekpa’s faction.
“This is a tremendous tragedy that impacts every Igbo family, who are facing the harsh realities of violence, brutality, and abductions masquerading as a quest for autonomy.
“We must confront the uncomfortable truth: what genuine progress has been achieved through this campaign of destruction? Have their actions succeeded in undermining federal economic interests or prompting any meaningful governmental reaction?
“The unequivocal answer is no. Instead of destabilizing Nigeria as planned, this group has merely succeeded in further alienating our people, eroding our communities, and driving investment away from our cherished Southeast.”
The prominent Igbo organization also condemned Ekpa’s ongoing push for a Sovereign Biafran Nation, particularly his intention to make a declaration on December 2, 2024.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautioned that Ekpa’s endeavors are not only misguided but also harmful to the future of the Southeastern region.
Isiguzoro called for unity among the Igbo people, encouraging them to reject the divisive forces at work and instead promote peaceful and constructive initiatives to foster development and security in the region.
