Igbo women, united under the banner of the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), have called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the dismantling of what most groups and individuals of South East extraction have come to identify as “malicious” military checkpoints across the Southeast geopolitical zone.
The women made their demands at a press conference held in Lagos, where they emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing concerns in the region.
Chief Nneka Chimezie, president of IWA, led the group in voicing their deep dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation in the Southeast and the alleged maltreatment being meted to the Igbo across the country, pointing out that the prolonged detention of Kanu has only deepened the sense of alienation and frustration among the Igbo people.
The group believes Kanu’s release would go a long way in alleviating the tensions that continue to grip the region, which has been marked by insecurity amidst heavy military presence, and the accompanying human rights abuses.
Highlighting the issue of military checkpoints, which the women said are causing unnecessary impediments to freedom of movement and activities in a highly mobile and business-oriented population, IWA lamented that the checkpoints have become hotspots for harassment, abuse of human rights, and increased insecurity.
Stating that many community members have reported extortion and mistreatment by security personnel, which has further strained relations between the people and the military, the women called for an immediate removal of these checkpoints, noting that with their removal, much of the peace and security currently lacking in the region, would be restored.
In addition to calling for Kanu’s release and the removal of checkpoints, the IWA also urged the Nigerian government to take a closer look at the activities of security forces in the Southeast.
They accused some security personnel of complicity in the crimes that have plagued the area, suggesting that many of the violent acts being committed have the backing or active involvement of these officers.
The group called for a thorough investigation into these claims, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Another key point raised by IWA is their concern over the treatment of the Igbo people by political figures seeking to gain favor with the federal government.
The women expressed their frustration with what they described as unwarranted attacks on Igbo individuals and communities, allegedly orchestrated by political operatives hoping to curry favor with the government.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to take a firm stand against these political machinations, which they believe only serve to further marginalize the Igbo people.
IWAÂ also made a direct appeal to the Nigerian government, urging it to act swiftly to address the grievances of the Igbo people.
They emphasized that lasting peace and stability in the Southeast can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the dismantling of military checkpoints, and a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region.
