Igbo Leaders: Simon Ekpa’s Arrest Won’t End South-East Insecurity, Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Is Key

Igbo elders and leaders have stated that the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile, will not resolve the insecurity in the South-East. They emphasized that unless Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is released, the security situation in the region is unlikely to improve. The leaders argued that the root of the problem lies in the detention of Kanu, and that bringing Ekpa back to Nigeria to face prosecution for his alleged role in fueling violence in the region is key to addressing the crisis.

Mr. Kingsley Okanume, a businessman in Awka, expressed support for Ekpa’s arrest, citing his incitement as a major contributor to the unrest. Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, also weighed in, urging the Finnish government to maintain its firm stance on Ekpa, describing him as a “rascal” for instigating violence, particularly with his controversial calls for sit-at-home orders. Okoye questioned why Ekpa, whose own community in Ebonyi State does not observe these orders, insists on imposing them on other parts of Igbo land. He also expressed concern over the pressure placed on Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State to ensure security, while calling on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers to advocate for stronger government action.

Nze Bartholomew Akaolisa, another community leader, pointed out that Nnamdi Kanu’s creation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) was initially intended to protect the Igbo people from attacks by Fulani herdsmen, not to engage in violence against fellow Igbos. He called for Ekpa’s return to Nigeria for prosecution, insisting that the public should be made aware of his alleged role in the region’s insecurity.

Echoing these sentiments, HRM Eze Philip Ajomiwe, a former traditional ruler in Abia State, said that Ekpa’s arrest would only exacerbate tensions, as it fails to address the root cause of the unrest—the continued detention of Kanu. He reiterated that Kanu’s unconditional release is the key to resolving the South-East’s security challenges.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) also weighed in, noting that addressing the insecurity in the South-East requires a comprehensive approach, one that tackles the socio-political issues driving discontent, such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. RULAAC called for targeted measures to address these underlying causes to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the insecurity in the South-East. Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, during a visit to Enugu State, assured that the government, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, would intensify efforts to tackle all forms of insecurity in the region. Badaru emphasized that a secure environment is essential for business growth and peace and urged the military to increase its operations in the South-East to curb violence. He also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for his support of the ongoing military efforts in the region.