Amid the killing by fulani herdsmen, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a ultimatum to Igbo governors. The governors from the Southeast region were told to send the killer herdsmen out of the region within 30 days.
The elders’ warning, issued through a statement on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, condemned the unending attacks by the killer herdsmen. They insisted that cases of violence, killings, and displacement attributed to suspected herdsmen must stop.
They described the persistent attacks as a direct threat to the lives, security, and economic survival of the Southeast. Also, Ohanaze Ndigbo 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,” the statement read. “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,” it added.
The elders claimed that the inability or unwillingness of the governors to act has emboldened criminal elements. Therefore, they continue to terrorize rural communities with impunity. This has 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.”
According to Premium Time, 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. Therefore, they called on traditional leaders, stakeholders, and civil society organizations to support efforts to rid the region of criminals.
“This is a definitive wake-up call for our governors to earnestly address the grievances of the people,” they said. They urged the governor “to actively participate in restoring peace and security in the Southeast.”
