Ohanaeze backs Ebubeagu, ESN security outfits

Condemns Attack On Police In Ebonyi
Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday condemned the attack by gunmen on policemen at Onuebonyi, Ebonyi State, describing it as unfortunate.

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that Ohanaeze was in support of the new security outfit, Ebubeagu, recently set up by Southeast Governors’ Forum as well as the Eastern Security Network (ESN) earlier established by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to flush out bandits from the zone.

While urging the people of the zone to unite and stop banditry, Isiguzoro noted that Ebubeagu and ESN must unite in the spirit of “igwe bu ike” (unity is strength) to achieve the objective, stressing that it was unique for the zone to have two regional security groups for one enemy, the killer herdsmen.

He added that those fanning the embers of disunity and division among the Igbo would be disappointed, adding that Ohanaeze Ndigbo would unite Ebubeagu and the ESN to defend the people against banditry.

According to him, Ohanaeze Ndigbo would support any security attempts or arrangements that would help Ndigbo to curb the nefarious activities and violent killings in the Southeast.

He said: “We accept the Ebubeagu Security Network and ESN as both were craftily designed for the territorial security of Southeast and should be supported by every Igbo and it is a blessing in disguise that Southeast has two security networks against a common enemy.

“We are aware of the desperation exhibited by Igbo external detractors trying to foist crisis, distrust and egocentric tussles between IPOB’s ESN and Southeast Governors’ Ebubeagu Security Network for their inordinate activities to create political tensions and panic in the Southeast.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo congratulates both Southeast governors and IPOB on the attempts to forestall further killings and violence in the Southeast, but will tirelessly enforce understandings and harmony between them.”

Isiguzoro added: “Security is local; every Igbo should understand the perilous situation Igbos are in for.

Igbos will stop any rivalry between ESN and Ebubeagu security networks, but unite them as sister organisations aimed towards solving insecurity challenges in Southeast. Igbos should support both groups and there should be synergies with all security formations in the Southeast to end banditry.”