The Council of Elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide says it will petition President Muhammadu Buhari on the Igbo profiling in Lagos before, during and after the March 18 governorship election, condemning the maiming and alleged killing of Igbos, including the destruction of their assets.
The group also said they would send a protest letter to the National Assembly and other relevant agencies to express their feelings over the attacks on Igbos in Lagos.
Ohaneze disclosed this in a communique issued after the council’s meeting on Wednesday in Enugu. The council’s chairman, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, signed the statement.
They said a high-powered Igbo delegation would be sent to meet with some Lagos leaders to establish a lasting cordial, and peaceful relationship between the Igbo and the Yoruba.
The elders added that they had directed the secretary general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the council to set up an inquiry to investigate the alleged killings and destruction of property of Igbos in Lagos.
“Amongst other terms of reference, the report must indicate: the number of Igbos killed, the number of Igbos injured and hospitalised, number of Igbos permanently incapacitated. The report shall include the comprehensive report of Igbo assets and property destroyed, including the burning of markets,” stated the council.
The elders further said the Ohanaeze Ndigbo would ensure that all perpetrators of the criminal activity were brought to book and adequate reparation and compensation paid to the victims.
“Based on the foregoing, the Council of Elders directed Ohanaeze Ndigbo to set up an emergency telephone line where Igbos in Lagos who are victimised because of their Igbo origin will report,” said the statement.
They said the meeting was convened to review Igbo’s painful and agonising experiences during the elections in Lagos.
The group said during the elections, innocent Igbos in Lagos who came out to vote were assaulted, brutalised, and some were reportedly killed.
“These unpatriotic Nigerians destroyed properties belonging to the Igbo. For example, a whole market was burnt. The information available to us reveal that they are still threatening the lives of Igbos and their property in Lagos state,” the council said.
(NAN)