The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a bold ultimatum to governors in the Southeast region of Nigeria, demanding the expulsion of killer herdsmen from the area within 30 days.
The elders’ warning, issued through a statement on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, condemned the unending cases of violence, killings, and displacement attributed to suspected herdsmen operating in communities across the region.
They described the persistent attacks as a direct threat to the lives, security, and economic survival of the people in the Southeast.
The organization accused the region’s leaders of lacking the political will and courage to deal decisively with the situation.
“Southeast Governors must expel these killer herdsmen from our territories within 30 days. Failure to do so will compel us to appeal for a state of emergency in any state where a Governor is paralyzed by helplessness or incompetence,” the statement declared.
According to the elders, the inability or unwillingness of the governors to act has emboldened criminal elements who continue to terrorize rural communities with impunity and led to the growing insecurity in what was once a relatively peaceful part of the country.
“Our demand is simple,” the statement continued. “The cold feet, cowardice, and half-heartedness surrounding the execution of constitutional responsibilities must end.”
Ohanaeze emphasized that the call to action is not only about confronting the killer herdsmen, but also about reclaiming the dignity of leadership in the region.
“It is time for our leaders, especially the Southeast Governors, to confront the continuous violence perpetuated by rogue elements within our region with the courage and commitment that history, our people, and the present moment demand.”
According to the group, for the Southeast to thrive as a peaceful and economically viable region, security must be restored and protected with deliberate effort. Therefore, they called on traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and civil society organizations to stand united and support any legitimate effort to rid the region of criminal activity.
“This is a definitive wake-up call for our governors to earnestly address the grievances of the people and to actively participate in restoring peace and security in the Southeast,” the statement concluded.
