The lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned the government’s inadequate response to the ongoing violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen across Nigeria, labeling the situation as both shameful and a damning indictment of leadership.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Ejiofor, a respected human rights lawyer, articulated that Nigerians are facing a national tragedy characterized by the relentless bloodshed inflicted upon innocent and defenseless citizens by certain Fulani herders.
He stated that the daily reports of killings have become a tragic norm, urging the government to abandon mere rhetoric in favor of robust action, emphasizing that human life is sacred.
Ejiofor expressed concern that, in contemporary Nigeria, cattle seem to hold a higher value than human lives.
He called on all levels of government to uphold the sanctity of life, urging immediate measures to restore public confidence by ensuring the safety of communities, framing it as a fundamental right rather than a luxury.
In his statement, he emphasized:
“Nigeria is witnessing a grave national tragedy, a relentless wave of violence unleashed by rampaging Fulani herdsmen from Plateau to Benue, from Uzo Uwani in Enugu State to parts of Delta State. The unchecked bloodbath of innocent, defenseless citizens, whose only crime is being aboriginal to their ancestral lands, has become a tragic daily occurrence.
Each day, new casualty figures are reported by the media, reducing human lives to mere statistics, as though we were counting livestock. Behind those numbers are mothers, fathers, children, and breadwinners, fellow citizens whose lives have been brutally cut short by wicked, soulless killers.
The recent massacre in Plateau State has once again brought tragedy and loss to the community, with reports indicating that 52 lives were lost. However, local sources suggest that the actual number of casualties may be even higher. What is most concerning is the lack of action and response from the state government, who seem content with offering empty condemnations without taking any meaningful steps to address the ongoing violence.
It is imperative to remind ourselves that every human life is sacred and irreplaceable. Yet, in Nigeria, it often feels as though the lives of cattle hold more value than those of our own people. This is a disgraceful reflection on our government and a profound betrayal of our shared humanity.
The time for empty promises and rhetoric has passed. We urgently call for decisive and coordinated action from the highest levels of government, specifically President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governors of the affected states. These leaders have a constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of their citizens, a duty that cannot be ignored or compromised.
The relentless attacks on innocent Nigerians by roaming herdsmen, coupled with the government's inaction, are reprehensible and must not be tolerated any longer. Security and law enforcement agencies must act swiftly and impartially to prevent further bloodshed. Communities must also take responsibility for their own safety and security in the face of this grave threat.
It is vital to emphasize once again the sanctity and value of human life. Public trust must be restored, communities must be secured, and the safety of all citizens must be ensured without exception or delay.
The time for action is now. Enough is enough, and it is imperative that this sentiment is not just expressed, but truly demonstrated.