Umuahia, Nigeria – The Iwe Women Assembly (IWA), a prominent pan-Igbo group, has called on governors in the South East states to promptly implement the anti-open grazing laws passed by their respective Houses of Assembly. The group emphasized the urgent need for states that have yet to enact such laws to do so immediately to combat insecurity and prevent an impending famine in the region.
IWA President Nneka Chimezie, speaking to journalists in Umuahia, attributed the soaring cost of foodstuffs in the South East to the destruction of farms by herdsmen’s cattle, which has led to significant agricultural losses. Chimezie highlighted the resulting economic hardships faced by farmers and the broader implications for food security in the region.
The IWE members also expressed concerns over the increasing migration of South East youths to other parts of Nigeria and abroad, citing insecurity and threats from bandits and aggressive security forces as the primary reasons. Chimezie noted that communities like Orlu, Mbano, and Awo Idemili are witnessing a troubling decline in their youth populations, a trend she described as a bad omen for the future of the South East.
In addition to addressing the issue of open grazing, the group condemned the recent killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State. They called for the apprehension of the perpetrators while urging military authorities to avoid punishing innocent individuals and communities in their pursuit of justice.
“We totally condemn the killing of soldiers in Aba. Those soldiers are people’s husbands and fathers,” Chimezie stated. “At the same time, we demand that innocent people and communities are not made victims of what they don’t know.”
The IWA also raised alarms about the declining use of the Igbo language among Igbo children, both within and outside Igbo land. They warned that the language could face extinction if this trend is not reversed and urged immediate actions to promote and preserve Igbo cultural heritage.
The group’s appeal underscores the interconnected challenges of security, cultural preservation, and economic stability facing the South East and calls for swift and decisive action by regional leaders.
