The National Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has called on the Federal Government to withdraw soldiers deployed across checkpoints in the Southeast, arguing that their presence is creating more problems than it solves.
According to the group, these soldiers have strayed from their primary mission of securing the region, instead focusing on extorting money from motorists and harassing commuters.
Speaking in Enugu, IWA President Lolo Nneka Chimezie expressed deep concern over the treatment of Igbo people at these checkpoints. She highlighted the humiliating practice of forcing commuters to disembark from their vehicles and cross the checkpoints on foot before rejoining their vehicles.
Chimezie questioned why such demeaning treatment is only seen in the Southeast, asking, “What offense have the Igbo committed to deserve such humiliation?”
The group lamented that despite the heavy military presence, criminals continue to operate with impunity, often attacking and abducting people near these checkpoints without any intervention from the soldiers.
“Since they have failed to secure the people they were asked to protect, we demand that the Federal Government withdraws them immediately,” Chimezie stated.
She suggested that the police, who are more approachable and less harsh, should be encouraged to protect the people instead.
The IWA also addressed the ongoing anti-Igbo campaign in Lagos, criticizing the Federal Government’s apparent inaction against those behind ethnic hate speech and violence. The women pointed out the case of Eze Nwajagu, a prominent Igbo leader in Lagos, who is currently detained and on trial for expressing frustration over the lack of protection for Igbo lives and properties, and for suggesting that IPOB might be called upon for protection.
They noted that others who have committed worse offenses, including inciting violence against Igbo in Lagos, have not been arrested or prosecuted.
“The way the Federal Government is handling the matter suggests that there are different laws for different people in Nigeria,” Chimezie remarked, questioning why those who threaten and attack Igbo people are allowed to walk freely while Igbo leaders face harsh repercussions for expressing concerns over their community’s safety.
The IWA concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu to release both Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, and Chief Nwajagu, or to arrest those who have been threatening Igbo people to leave Lagos, emphasizing that the same law should apply to all Nigerians equally.