The leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned that the Igbo community should not be linked to the killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a statement issued on Sunday, said that the Igbos have no connection with the incident.
Recall that Politics Nigeria had reported 16 hunters travelling from Rivers State to Kanon State for the Eid celebration were lynched in Edo State under the suspicion of being kidnappers.
The incident occurred after some local vigilante operatives intercepted the travellers and found guns and daggers on them.
Their killing has continued to raise outrage with the president ordering immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the crime.
In addition the Northern Elders Forum
Has also issued an ultimatum to the Edo State to compensate victims of the mob action.
However, in his message, Isiguzoro called on every leader and group to do well by informing their people, especially the youths that Uromi is in Edo, a state in the South-South Region of Nigeria.
He said, “We urge these leaders to take decisive action in educating and informing their communities, particularly the impressionable youth, that Uromi, located in the Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State, is neither part of Igboland nor associated with the Igbo people.
“The citizens of Uromi predominantly belong to the Esan ethnic group and should not be misidentified as Igbo.
Also condemning the bastardly act, Isiguzoro said attempts to falsely affiliate the people of Igbo descent with the incident are troubling.
“In light of these events, Ohanaeze Ndigbo vehemently cautions against any potential reprisals aimed at Igbo individuals or communities residing in the Northern region.
“We stand in solidarity with Northern leaders and the grieving families of the victims, mourning their loss with sincerity and compassion. It is crucial that we collectively condemn violence in all its forms, irrespective of the ethnic identities involved,” Isiguzoro said.
He called on the government at all levels and relevant agencies to step up their game and ensure they douse the tension among the people.
Suddenly it became apparent to declare edo as not being part of Igbo land wherein the map of Biafra you all have been advocating for indicates otherwise…this country is such a huge joke..now the northerners have suddeny found their voice..while their people continue to attack farmers and rape their wives and children in the south …what a country