“See How South-West Is Handling Its Own Matter with Sense”: Joe Igbokwe Compares South-East Leaders’ Handling of IPOB/ESN-Linked Insecurity

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe has criticised leaders and residents of the South-East over their response to insecurity in the region, drawing a comparison with recent protests held in the South-West following the kidnapping of schoolchildren.

Igbokwe made the remarks in a post shared on his Facebook page, where he posted a photograph of protesters in the South-West demanding action over the abduction of pupils.

Reacting to the development, the APC stalwart commended what he described as a civil approach by residents of the region.

"See how South West is handling their own matter with civility and common sense," Igbokwe wrote.

He went on to compare the protests with the response of people in the South-East during periods of heightened insecurity linked to the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and other armed groups.

"Compare it with the behavior of South East citizens when IPOB, ESN UGM, BDF were killing our people and burning their homes. We all kept quiet," he stated.

Igbokwe's comments come amid growing concerns over insecurity across different parts of Nigeria, including kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks that have affected several communities.

The APC chieftain has previously spoken on security issues in the South-East and has repeatedly urged political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to take stronger positions against violence and criminal activities in the region.

The recent protests in parts of the South-West followed the kidnapping of schoolchildren by suspected gunmen, an incident that triggered public outrage and calls for improved security. Residents took to the streets to demand urgent action from authorities and the safe return of the victims.

In the South-East, insecurity linked to separatist agitation, armed groups, and criminal gangs has led to killings, kidnappings, attacks on security facilities, and the destruction of property in recent years. The crisis has remained a major concern for residents and government authorities alike.