Concerned by ongoing violence in Nigeria’s South East region, UK-based Nigerian political activist Chukwuemeziem Ekete has announced plans to convene an international summit of Igbo youths in the Diaspora.
The move follows a series of deadly attacks allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen across states like Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra.
Ekete, alarmed by what he termed “unchecked killings,” emphasized the need for urgent intervention from young Igbo professionals and advocates living abroad.
He voiced his disappointment in the region’s political leaders, accusing them of failing to safeguard the people.
“We are organizing a summit for Igbo youths in the Diaspora to devise concrete steps to halt these killings,” Ekete said. “Our leaders have failed in their duty to protect our communities, and we can no longer afford to remain silent.”
He condemned the repeated invasions by suspected criminal herders, which have left villages destroyed, lives lost, and communities displaced.
Ekete described the situation as dire, noting that inaction could lead to the permanent loss of indigenous lands.
“The level of violence has reached a tipping point,” he stated. “We cannot continue to watch as our people are slaughtered. It’s time to hold our own discussions and make bold decisions.”
The inaugural edition of the proposed Igbo Youths Diaspora Summit is expected to take place in the United Kingdom, with follow-up events being planned in other parts of Europe and Asia.
The summit will serve as a forum to brainstorm lasting solutions, amplify the voices of affected communities, and build international partnerships aimed at influencing security policies in Nigeria.
Ekete also accused some political elites of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of their people.
He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the crisis could deepen and further endanger the region’s indigenous populations.
“Injustice has always been resisted by courageous Igbo youths,” he said. “This is another moment in history when we must rise and confront the threats facing our people. We will not fold our arms while our homeland is under siege.”
The summit, according to him, will explore every possible strategy to safeguard Igbo communities and ensure lasting peace in the South East.
