Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has stirred a fresh wave of debate across the South-East after claiming that more than 30,000 Igbo people have been killed over the years due to violence connected to sit-at-home directives and attacks linked to IPOB and its armed wing, ESN.
The former Abia State governor made the remarks during an interview on ARISE TV, where he revisited what he described as years of unchecked killings and disruptions across several states in the South-East.
According to him, the figures he mentioned were not exaggerated but reflect the reality residents have been forced to endure.
Kalu dismissed the criticism that followed, especially from IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, who accused him of inventing the numbers and allegedly supporting the same separatist groups he condemned.
But the lawmaker rejected those claims, calling the reaction “childish” and completely baseless.
The senator maintained that his statements were based on real incidents witnessed in communities where constant lockdowns and violent enforcement have crippled social and economic activities.
He noted that many families have been unable to move freely, traders have abandoned their shops, and entire neighbourhoods have become unsafe.
“My statement was very clear on what I said. I said there are over 30,000 Igbos that have lost their life in the process of sit-at-home, do this, do that in the South-East. Businesses were stopped. People in Ihiala and along those areas, and people in Orlu and part of all the South-East cannot go to their homes,” Kalu said.
He also criticised Emma Powerful for operating anonymously, stating that anyone issuing strong accusations should be bold enough to appear publicly and defend their claims.
“If Emma Powerful is issuing a statement, he should come on television the way I have come to address you — that is Emma Powerful with clear identity of who he is. Igbos should not be taken for a ride or for granted,” he added.
Kalu stressed that while he empathises with the family of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the suffering of ordinary residents must not be ignored.
He urged the Federal Government to explore political and diplomatic options that may help bring the crisis to an end.
“I sympathise truly with the family of Nnamdi Kanu and what has happened to them. And I want the Federal Government and everybody to think of how they can resolve the matter. They should think of what happened to people that lost their businesses, people that lost their lives, families that have been killed. It is a statement of fact — I don’t talk any harm,” he concluded.
