Igbo Socio-Cultural Group, Ohaneze Ndigbo has condemned the violence in Oyigbo, Rivers State, where some rampaging youths were said to have attacked Igbos in the area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President General Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Nnia Nwodo said: “the misdemeanours of some rampaging youths of both South-South and South-East origin and the inciting, mindless and provocative statements that was made from abroad by the Leader of IPOB Nnamdi Kanu which inflamed passions on all sides has landed us in a regrettable situation”.
Nwodo said the group was seriously disturbed about the degenerating situation as pictures on the social media portrayed “very inhuman and degrading treatment meted to innocent Igbos in Oyigbo”.
“Ohaneze regrets that the friendly and cordial relationship which existed between Igbos and our kit and kin in Rivers State is threatened by this development.
“So also is the threat to our solidarity with PANDEF and the entire people of the South-South region of Nigeria,” Nwodo added.
Speaking further, he noted that the group is currently having consultations with the Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, Governor Umahi, who has kindly volunteered to arrange a meeting between the Igbo leaders and the Governor of Rivers State to prevent further attacks.
“Innocent Igbos in Rivers State who are caught in between this sad development and whose lives and livelihood are threatened by it are assured that help is on the way and that Igbo leaders will never abandon them,” Nwodo assured.
