Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has come under fire from the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) following his recent statement that 99.9 percent of crimes in the South-East are committed by locals.
MASSOB strongly condemned the comment, accusing the governor of spreading falsehood to promote his second-term ambition.
In a statement signed by the group’s National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, MASSOB described Soludo’s remark as an attempt to shift attention from the atrocities committed by Fulani herdsmen across Igbo land.
The group reminded the governor of numerous killings and violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by these herders, including the tragic incident at the Gariki Cow Market in Lokpanta, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, where over 200 Igbo lives were reportedly lost.
MASSOB also recalled similar attacks in Nimbo, Ehamufu, and Ugwogo Nike in Enugu State, as well as Obinze in Imo State. The statement further alleged that many areas within Enugu, particularly New Garki and New Artisan Markets, have become havens for criminal activities involving Hausa-Fulani individuals, with disturbing claims of ritual killings and the sale of human body parts.
The group criticized Soludo for allegedly ignoring these ongoing issues and instead blaming his people. They accused the governor of working with militant political groups such as Ndi Aka Odo and Ndi Udo Ga Chi, who they say have also contributed to the insecurity in Anambra State.In contrast, the Nomadic Rights Concern (NORIC), a faith-based human rights group, defended Governor Soludo, describing him as a courageous leader and a potential presidential candidate.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Professor Umar Muhammad Labdo, NORIC praised Soludo for his honesty in pointing out that most of the crimes in Anambra are committed by locals, not outsiders.NORIC said Soludo’s stance challenges the long-held stereotype that Fulani herdsmen are the primary source of insecurity in the region. The group encouraged other Southeast leaders to emulate the governor by telling uncomfortable truths for the sake of national unity and peace.The opposing reactions to Soludo’s comment reflect the deep divisions in the South-East regarding the causes of insecurity and the politics surrounding ethnicity, crime, and leadership. As the 2025 Anambra governorship election approaches, these tensions may play a significant role in shaping the political landscape.
