The recent spate of killings in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos Council Areas of Plateau State, claiming over 150 lives, has drawn condemnation from the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Ohanaeze described the dire situation as an “orchestrated act of genocide.”
In a statement issued by the President General of the group, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ohanaeze expressed shock at the news of the killings. Iwuanyanwu, who received the distressing information while in his village in Imo State for the Christmas holidays, denounced the killing, burning of houses, indiscriminate shootings, and displacement of residents as acts of orchestrated genocide.
The Igbo leader questioned why, in this modern age and civilization, Nigeria still witnesses such brutish, cruel, and barbaric mass killings. He emphasized that the persistence of such heinous and cowardly acts stemmed from the historical lack of accountability for the perpetrators.
Iwuanyanwu urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to bring those behind the callous crime in Plateau State to justice. He also directed the Igbo leadership in Plateau State to extend solidarity to the affected families, the displaced, and other victims of the catastrophe.
“On behalf of all the sons and daughters of Igbo, we send our condolences to the governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Mutfwang, the good people of Plateau State, and the Middle Belt Forum led by Dr. Bitrus Pogu. I pray the Almighty to grant the souls of the deceased a blissful repose in His bosom,” added Iwuanyanwu.
