By Correspondent in Abuja
The Concerned Citizens of Igbo Nation in Diaspora (CCIND) has cautioned political leaders in Nigeria’s South-East region against making public remarks that could endanger the lives of Igbo citizens.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s spokesperson, Emeka Livingstone, expressed deep concern over a comment allegedly made by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, on July 6.
The governor reportedly stated that “99.99 per cent of alleged kidnappers arrested in Anambra are Igbos.”
Describing the comment as “shocking,” Livingstone said such unverified claims could have dangerous consequences.
“While we commend leaders who stand against evil and uphold justice, it becomes deeply troubling when these same leaders resort to sweeping and reckless criticisms of their own people—those they are sworn to protect,” he said.
He further questioned the basis of Soludo’s assertion, demanding clarity on how many of the alleged suspects had been tried and convicted in court.
“Governor Soludo’s statement not only absolves known external aggressors, such as herdsmen terrorizing Igbo communities, but also creates space for further incursions into our farms and forests. Worse still, it fuels propaganda and false narratives against the Igbo nation,” he stated.
Livingstone also noted that the governor’s statement failed to acknowledge past attacks carried out by armed herders in parts of Anambra under the previous administration.
“In his address to an Igbo audience in Maryland, USA, Governor Soludo didn’t tell them how many suspects have been lawfully prosecuted. His claim of 99.99 per cent remains arbitrary and unsubstantiated,” he added.
He cited a recent incident in Ogbaru Local Government Area where youths apprehended three armed Fulani herders who reportedly shot at a young Igbo man after intruding on his farmland.
“Yet, the governor has remained silent on this disturbing development and has taken no concrete steps to curb the recurring violence by herdsmen in the state,” Livingstone said.
He urged South-East leaders to refrain from issuing statements that could expose Igbo youths to profiling, human rights abuses, or extrajudicial killings.
“In these perilous times, our leaders must speak with wisdom and caution. Reckless generalizations do more harm than good and threaten the safety of those they claim to serve,” he warned.
