– Says, Government’s Silence Synonymous With Complicity
The Owerri Archdiocesan Priests Association has expressed concern over the escalating security crisis in Imo State which it said has assumed a frightening dimension.
The association, in a communiqué signed by the Secretary, Rev Fr. Chijoke Ekeada, expressed disappointment that neither the state government nor the security agencies have been able to rise up to the challenge, adding that none of the perpetrators has been arrested or prosecuted.
According to them, “The situation is dire. Kidnappings for ransom, abductions for organ harvesting, and violent invasions of people’s lands and farms are now commonplace across Imo State and Igbo land. These horrors are no longer distant headlines-they are personal. Our priests and faithful parishioners have suffered terribly, and the pain continues to spread. While we have an innumerable number of people who have fallen victims, in the past ten years, between 2015 and 2025, there are more than fifty clergy and religious victims of this horrendous situation from Ahiara, Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri dioceses, with Okigwe recording the highest of 47 priest victims, and two deaths from Owerri and Orlu respectively, all in imo State alone. The perpetrators, often identified as Fulani herdsmen, strike with increasing boldness and cruelty. This is a nightmare no one should endure, let alone our people”.
They noted that the situation has culminated in fear, forcing many people to flee from their homes and communities thereby orchestrating the so-called “Japa” syndrome, “Our mothers no longer feel safe on their farms. Hunger, poverty, and despair are rising. Exploitation of vulnerable youths is growing unchecked. The situation is becoming Intolerable.
As priests, we remain in steadfast solidarity with our people. Spiritually and morally, we stand by them In this war against fear and destruction. We will continue to pray, speak out and act with courage. We will not abandon our flock.
To our people, we say: “O biaranga m, abiagbula m,” and “Onyendlirogbaragburugburu, na-echenduyanche.” Let the truth be known: Our land is under siege. Infiltrators with malicious intent are moving freely, destroying lives and livelihoods. Our hospitality must not be mistaken for weakness. Our people can no longer access their lands and farms without fear of being attacked, kidnapped, or raped. These crimes are committed with impunity-boldly and openly-while the government remains disturbingly silent. This silence smacks of complicity. There have been no arrests of these criminals and murderers by the police whatsoever, no public outcry, no official reassurances. We are, rather, shocked to observe that those arrested by vigilante groups and handed over to the police are never brought to book. For what government watches its citizens slaughtered and harassed daily and does nothing? Instead of arresting the perpetrators of this evil, the government security agencies are swift to swoop down on those who defend themselves against the terrorists. It is on record that General Theophilus Danjuma had alleged that the government security agents colluded with these terrorists to attack innocent citizens. This has not been disputed. In a situation like this, which unarguably can be referred to as State capture, the people are not left with any other option than to defend themselves. Only a tree hears the axe and stands still. We, therefore, join the Director General of the DSS to call on our youths and vigilante groups to expunge fear and courageously protect our land. No one else will do it for us. We also caution our Igbo brothers and sisters involved in terrorizing our society in any form to remember: ‘Agwoloroibeya, oduyana-aputayan’onu.’
To the infiltrators using our forests as cover for criminal activity: This is Igboland! Our forests are not for human habitation. You are not welcome to hide under the cloak of anonymity. If your intentions are honest, you must live openly in identifiable homes as law-abiding citizens. Only wild animals live in the forests.
We also sound a stern warning to those sponsoring this influx of dangerous elements into Imo State and across Igboland: Fulani Expansionists, Islamic Jihadists, genetically modified crop inducers, mineral resources exploiters or a combination of these forces. We ask you to desist immediately! The consequences of this orchestration may spiral beyond control. The destabilization of our communities cannot and will not be tolerated.
We demand that the government and all civil authorities immediately fulfill their constitutional duty to protect lives and property. The continued silence and inaction are fueling tension, anger, and mistrust among our people. This silence and inaction signal a crisis that must be addressed with urgency. Our people are growing weary, and their patience is running thin.
The Igbo are a people known for their resilience, courage, wisdom, hard work and hospitality. We are peace-loving people. We urge anyone who comes to us to embrace the peace of our land. We protect what we cherish, and our history bears witness to this truth. At this critical moment, we must raise our voices in solemn warning-before what should be a bright morning turns into a tragic sunset at dawn.
Finally, we call on all the clergy and religious in Igbo land and beyond to commit this situation into God’s hands. Priests should make God’s protection of our land and our people their habitual Mass intentions. We must not fail to pray our Rosaries and encourage the lay faithful to do the same, soliciting the intercession of our Blessed Mother, The Virgin Mary, and asking her to cover Ndigbo and indigenous peoples of Nigeria with her powerful mantra of protection. “If God is for us, no one can prevail against us” (Rm 8:31). “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered” (Ps 68:1) “that free from fear and saved from the hands of our foes, we might serve Him in holiness and justice all the days of our lives in His presence (Lk 1:74)”.
