Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on the people of the South East to prevent further disruptions and put an end to the nefarious and infamous activities of the Finland-based agitator, Simon Ekpa, which include declaring another two weeks sit-at-home from 31st July to 14th August, 2023.
The group also offered a substantial bounty of $500,000 for anyone who can provide useful information leading to his capture and subsequent arrest.
This was contained in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and made available to newsmen on Monday.
Ohanaeze said “Ekpa is responsible for the recent surge in violence and insecurity in the region. He has declared another two-week sit-at-home from July 31 to August 14, 2023, undermining the authority of South East governors, who are constitutionally mandated to protect life and property of citizens.
“Ohanaeze has placed a substantial bounty of $500,000 on Ekpa’s head. The reward is offered to anyone who can provide useful information that would lead to his capture and subsequent arrest.”
Ohanaeze explained that the consequences of another prolonged Sit-at-Home order orchestrated by a non-state actor like Simon Ekpa are grave. It not only disrupts economic and social activities but also threatens the stability and peace of the Southeast region.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the people of Southeast Nigeria to unite and confront these security challenges head-on. The actions of Ekpa and his gunmen undermine the efforts of the regional authorities to maintain law and order.
The group added that Ekpa’s self-proclaimed role as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile and his declaration of a Biafra referendum is deeply concerning. Such actions have the potential to ignite civil unrest and chaos in Southeast Nigeria.
“The scars of the Biafra-Nigeria civil war, which resulted in the loss of approximately two million lives, predominantly innocent children and women, are still fresh in the memory of the Igbo people. It is crucial that history does not repeat itself.”
The group then urged President Bola Tinubu to deploy soldiers to every corner of the Southeast.
“The Southeast governors need help and Ohanaeze is asking the Southeast governors to defend themselves from external enemies.”