By Alex Odeh
The pan Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the national and state house of assemblies to legalize the carrying of light arms for self-defense by all adult Nigerians, especially Christian and Muslim worshippers during their religious activities
A press statement issued on Sunday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chinenyeze Ohia Deputy President General and National Spokesperson of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, respectively noted the possible relocation of Northern ISWAP and Boko Haram to the Southeast.
The Igbo body also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and southeast governors not to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the prevailing peace and security in the region is sustained.
According to them, they had been an improvement on security relating to the activities of Fulani herdsmen and northern bandits, contrary to the experience between August 2019 and August 2025, which was characterized by violence and instability.
Ohanaeze, however, expressed concern over the possible relocation to Southeast and South-South Northern ISWAP bandits and Boko Haram terrorists due to escalating violence and heightened tensions in the North Central region, particularly in Kwara, Niger, Benue, and Kogi states, where the Nigerian Military is currently engaged.
Ohanaeze further implored the Southeast Governors to prioritize and announced from December the immediate and effective implementation of the Federal Government’s recent ban on open grazing across Nigeria.
The statement reads in part, “However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo issues this urgent and critical alert to the Federal Government and the Governors of the Southeast states: credible intelligence suggests a potential shift in the operational theatre of Northern ISWAP bandits and Boko Haram terrorists.
“The escalating violence and heightened tensions in the North Central region, particularly in Kwara, Niger, Benue, and Kogi states, where the Nigerian Military is currently engaged, indicate a possible strategic relocation by these terrorist groups.
“The Southeast and South-South regions, historically perceived as havens for illicit activities, are therefore vulnerable. The Southeast, in this context, risks becoming a safe haven for these northern elements.
“Consequently, Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally advocates for the immediate establishment and operationalization of COMMUNITY LOCAL VIGILANTE GROUPS across the 95 local government areas of the Southeast. This is a crucial measure to consolidate the peace currently observed, particularly in the boundary communities of Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra States.
“We hold each Governor accountable for prioritizing the implementation of robust security measures and the establishment of local vigilance groups, as a matter of immediate and paramount importance. Failure to act proactively in this regard will be viewed with the utmost gravity, and may be considered a dereliction of duty.
“Further compounding our concerns are reports, substantiated by credible intelligence and verified social media videos, documenting the influx of a specific brand of BHAJAJ motorcycles, commonly used for terrorism in the northern states, into major cities and towns across the Southeast.
“We urge heightened vigilance among all residents of the Southeast. Furthermore, in the face of any security breach, Ndigbo must be prepared to exercise their right to SELF-DEFENSE, as a measure of last resort if the need arises. The preservation of life and the protection of our communities are paramount.
“Stiff penalties must be enforced against any offenders caught trespassing on farmlands and forests. We further call on the Governors to engage with the Miyetti Allah groups and educate their members operating within the Southeast, emphasizing the dire consequences – potentially life imprisonment or the death penalty – for any Fulani herdsmen caught trespassing or engaging in unauthorized activities.
“Finally, in the interest of self-preservation and the fundamental right to safety, Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly recommends that the Federal Government and the National Assembly consider the potential benefits of legalizing the carrying of light arms for self-defense by all adult Nigerians, especially Christian and Muslim worshipers during their religious activities. This measure could act as a significant deterrent and empower citizens to protect themselves and their communities”, the statement said.
