Ohanaeze Ndigbo Denounces Nigerian Security Force's Recent Raid Operations In Orlu

An apex Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has bemoaned the use of what it says is excessive force by the Nigerian military in trying to dislodge men of the controversial Eastern Security Network (ESN), from forests in Orlu town in Imo State.

The President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, who spoke while visiting the traditional ruler of Amaifeke in Orlu, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr E. C Okeke, on Monday, frowned at the tension in the area, adding that if it is allowed to get out of hand, it could lead to a national catastrophe.

Obiozor said those who “preached or preferred military solutions to Nigeria’s problem were equally a threat to Nigeria’s unity as those enemies they were fighting.”

“Nigeria is in a precarious situation and a great caution must be taken by the leadership to avoid events that have the capacity of incrementally aggravating or opening more threats of national crisis,” Obiazor said.

READ ALSO: Biafra: Nigerian Security Force Expounds On Recent Raid Operations In Orlu

"The use of the violent method will lead to a synchronised national crisis and ultimate disintegration of Nigeria; this too must be avoided.

“Insecurity in the country is real and should be treated as a matter of national emergency. That is the only way we can get out of this quagmire so that it will not consume us as a nation.”

In a similar vein, a Third Republic Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has condemned the air and ground attacks by military forces in Orlu, Imo State.

Ezeife condemned the Nigerian government for sending troops to tackle ESN, and also slammed the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzondinma, for inviting the Nigerian army.

Ezeife made known his position on Tuesday according to Sahara Reporters.

"Many of us from the South-East are tired of speaking about the issues in this part of the country. It is as if the federal government does not want the South-East to belong to Nigeria.

“The federal government seems to be the greatest actor thinking about the disintegration of Nigeria.

"How do you understand air bombardments and ground attacks on the civilian people that have done nothing illegal?

"It is not news that all manner of military personnel and security agents have been used against the South-East.

"We have been denied projects and appointments going around the country. There are politics and policies of ‘Pull Igbo Down’ from the federal government," Ezeife said.