Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural body representing the Igbo people, has warmly welcomed the arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities, calling it a pivotal moment for restoring peace in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
The organization expressed a sense of relief and gratitude, seeing Ekpa’s capture as a step toward ending the instability that has plagued the region for years.
In an official statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo highlighted the significant negative impact Ekpa’s activities had on the southeast over the past three years. As the self-declared leader of the Biafra movement, Ekpa became notorious for his controversial calls, including the enforcement of the Monday Sit-At-Home order. The statement, issued by Ohanaeze’s Secretary General Okechukwu Isiguzoro, emphasized that this directive caused widespread economic hardship, with the region suffering losses estimated to exceed N22 trillion.
According to the statement, communities across the southeast were not only economically crippled but also terrorized by the armed factions loyal to Ekpa. These factions instilled fear and disrupted daily life, severely affecting businesses, schools, and local economies. Ohanaeze Ndigbo pointed out that, in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the Igbo people have remained deeply sensitive to any developments that might rekindle fears of another violent conflict. The memory of the Biafra War continues to haunt many, and Ekpa’s actions only intensified these anxieties.
Despite the challenges, Ohanaeze expressed hope that Ekpa’s arrest would serve as a powerful deterrent against future attempts to stir unrest in the region. The group believes that this development marks a crucial step in efforts to prevent the possibility of a second Biafra War, urging all stakeholders to work toward lasting peace and stability in the southeast. By calling for an end to the violence and instability fueled by Ekpa, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the Igbo people can live in a safe, prosperous, and peaceful environment.
