Disturbed by the escalating insecurity across the South-East region of Nigeria, a Diaspora-based advocacy group, Concerned Citizens of Igbo Nation in Diaspora (CCIND), has called on Igbo youths to rise, organise, and defend Igbo land, describing the region as their “only homeland.”

In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Emeka Livingstone, the CCIND expressed concern over a series of violent attacks that have recently plagued communities in Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Abia states. The group condemned what it described as coordinated assaults by terrorists disguised as herdsmen and bandits.

“Recent developments in Igbo land are beyond troubling. In June alone, multiple communities suffered brutal attacks, including Agwa, in Oguta Local Council of Imo State, where several lives were lost and a pregnant woman was critically injured. A United States-based returnee was also killed, while his wife was abducted in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Council,” the group said.

CCIND also referenced two separate incidents in Enugu State where gunmen struck Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Council on June 9, killing multiple residents of Mgbuji Community.

Another attack, on June 12, saw a Toyota Sienna vehicle ambushed along the Umuahia-Akara Road, in Abia State, with all eight passengers and the driver reportedly kidnapped.

According to CCIND, the increase in deadly assaults in the region coincides with the 2021 extraordinary rendition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from Kenya to Nigeria.

“Since his abduction, the South-East has descended into the worst state of insecurity in recent memory,” CCIND noted.

The group accused elected officials from the region of negligence and silence in the face of growing insecurity.

“Governors, lawmakers, and other officeholders have failed to take decisive action. While some pay lip service, many have remained mute, fearing political repercussions,” CCIND stated.

Highlighting the national security threat posed by various terrorist groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and others, the group warned that the unchecked violence in the South-East may be part of a broader strategy to destabilise the region.

CCIND called on all Igbo communities to mobilise and support local hunter associations to defend their territories.

“We must move beyond condemnation and begin to take pragmatic steps. The time has come to deploy all necessary measures to protect our people and preserve the region,” the body stated.

CCIND noted that the collective will and vigilance of the Igbo people are vital to restoring peace and security in the region.