Igbo women, under the umbrella of Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), have demanded the immediate disarming of violent herdsmen causing havoc in the South East.
The women, speaking at a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State, expressed their concerns about the impact of these herdsmen on local farmers, who are now too afraid to tend their fields due to the threat of attacks.
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Lolo Nneka Chimezie, IWA National President, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and protect rural farmers from these criminal activities.
She highlighted the recent killings in Enugu State, where no arrests were made, as evidence of the urgent need for action.
Chimezie argued that since there is no cattle rustling in the South East, herders should not be permitted to carry weapons, challenging a previous justification for arming herdsmen.
The IWA also demanded the removal of numerous military checkpoints across the South East, claiming they hinder economic activities and contribute to the harassment of local youths.
The checkpoints, they argue, create traffic jams and extend travel times significantly, with Chimezie recounting a personal experience of being stranded overnight due to a military checkpoint-induced traffic jam.
The women called for the replacement of military checkpoints with police mobile forces, asserting that the police are better trained to handle civilian interactions.
However, they also urged a reduction in police checkpoints, accusing many of being sites of extortion.
The IWA blamed the high cost of food in the region on the disruptions caused by herders, stating that farmers can no longer cultivate their land safely.
They urged South East Governors to enforce anti-grazing laws and promote the establishment of ranches by herdsmen, rather than allowing them to roam freely and destroy crops.
In addition, the IWA addressed the “militarization” of the South East, appealing to President Tinubu to withdraw military forces to their barracks, suggesting that community vigilantes could be more effective in maintaining local security under the supervision of conventional security agencies.
They acknowledged the sacrifices made by the military and condemned recent attacks on soldiers, emphasizing the need for tactical strategies against criminal elements instead of forceful measures that affect innocent citizens.
The women decried the labeling of Igbo youths as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that this stigmatization discourages them from investing in the region.
The IWA also called for an investigation into a private individual allegedly hired by the previous administration to secure the South East without public knowledge. They urged South East Governors to ensure the security necessary to attract investors.
Lastly, the group appealed to President Tinubu to consider a political solution for the continued detention of IPOB Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, believing that his release could reduce regional tensions.
In summary, the Igbo Women Assembly is calling for the disarming of herdsmen, the dismantling of military checkpoints, and the release of Nnamdi Kanu to restore peace and economic stability in the South East.
