By Cajetan Mmuta
Concerned youths under the aegis of southeast Igbo Youth Leaders In the Southeast on Wednesday expressed worry over alleged secret arrest and killing of youths in the region by the military.
It was learned that the military label the youths as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
They however called on relevant authorities for immediate withdrawal of the military from the zone, just as it enjoined the Police and sister Agencies to discharge their duties professionally and with dignity in order to restore the confidence of the people.
Addressing newsmen in Awka, Anambra State capital, spokesman for the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu regretted that the use of force or military action, as presently applied in South East could inevitably lead to more provocation, anarchy, and disintegration.
He described the current situation as a challenging moment for Ndigbo and time the people of the zone needed strength and leadership which he said were only found in unity and sacrifice.
He said “We are calling on the Federal Government to immediately stop the random arrest and unjust killing of Igbo Youths under the guise of IPOB and/or ESN members.
“It is unfortunate that a revered organization like the Nigerian Army, no longer apply the tenets of professionalism and respect for Human Right while discharging their duties.
“Most worrisome is the alleged secret arresting and killing of Igbo Youths by the Military. We call on the Federal Government to expeditiously withdraw the Militarization in South East.
“This is one of the obvious reasons the Security Agencies have lost the confidence and support of the masses.
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“We, therefore, call on Police and the sister Agencies to discharge their duties professionally and with dignity in order to restore the Support and confidence of the taxpayers.
Okpalaezeukwu commended the Southeast Governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo for declaring the May 30 public holiday, urging the Federal Government to embrace the initiative as a National day of healing.
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While passing a vote of confidence and support to Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership, the group called on Southeast governors, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders to foster unity and engage the youths to restore stability in the region.
“We align, utterly with the positions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, ably led by Amb. Prof. George Obiozor, that Ndigbo will not lead the break up of Nigeria, but will not be victims of Nigeria Unity.
“Indeed, the unity of Nigeria is Paramount but not at all cost. We are committed to peace, justice, equity and fairness. Throughout history, people denied justice have no interest in peace. It is either RESTRUCTURING OR REFERENDUM,” he added.
