Between Silence and Fire: Reclaiming Dignity in the Southeast: Thanks to Amnesty International.
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- Aug 20
- 5 min read
By PNP Newsroom
8/19/2025
The Southeastern region of Nigeria grapples with profound issues of insecurity, which manifest not just as political challenges but as deeper cultural and spiritual fractures within the community. The violence impacts daily life, resonating through local shrines, schools, and marketplaces, reminding residents of the urgent need to address these crises.
One prominent figure who has recently spoken out about these challenges is Cubana Chief Priest, also known as Pascal Okechukwu. During a BBC Igbo interview, he discussed the alarming insecurity affecting the Southeast. His comments ignited a significant debate on social media and within the Igbo community.
Key Points from Cubana Chief Priest’s Remarks:
Please see Cubana Chief Priest comments on Southeast.
1. Relocation of Business: Cubana Chief Priest disclosed his decision to move his business from Owerri to Lagos due to increasing violence, particularly against wealthy Igbo individuals. He argued that this relocation reflects a concerning trend that damages the community's reputation.
2. Community Betrayal: He criticized local residents for allegedly aiding criminals by providing them with information about affluent individuals, stating, "It is our brothers at home that give criminals information."
3. Cultural and Economic Impacts: The pervasive fear of kidnapping and violence, he noted, has deterred customers and disrupted traditional festive gatherings, which were once central to Igbo culture. He pointed to widespread hunger in the region as a result of the shifting dynamics.
Were these the words of a man making this statement freely, or was he coerced into making this devastating claim, which the Southeasterners considered a betrayal? This statement was made after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for Naira abuse.
Following The arrest of Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money) in April 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged Naira abuse, Cubana Chief Priest's perspective shifted. He claimed that the EFCC primarily targets wealthy Igbo individuals and suggested that their methods pressure these figures into complicity and making false statements. After the arrest of billionaire businessman Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money), he voiced solidarity, characterizing the action as a politically motivated effort to diminish the influence of Igbo elites.
Governor Soludo’s Controversial Statements:
In a separate yet related discourse, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo sparked controversy during a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes in Maryland, U.S. He asserted that a significant majority (99.99%) of criminals and kidnappers arrested in Anambra State over the past three years are of Igbo descent, countering the belief that Fulani herders were primarily responsible for the violence in the region.
- Reevaluation of Narratives: Soludo admitted that his initial beliefs about the sources of insecurity were shaped by commonly held narratives, but his experience as governor led him to a different conclusion. He outlined how some youths, feeling disillusioned, turned to kidnapping as a more lucrative option than cybercrime or drug trafficking.
- Ethnic Tensions and Response: His remarks faced backlash from human rights groups, which labeled them as "reckless" due to the potential to incite ethnic discord. The World Igbo National Union (WINU) demanded either transparency regarding arrest statistics or an apology, emphasizing that while Fulani attacks have occurred, they should not be ignored in discussions about criminal activity. Analysts are clear: without transparent data, sweeping claims about violence in the Southeast threaten public trust and regional unity. Amnesty International latest investigative report has decisively debunked the misleading statements from Governor Soludo and Cubana Chief Priest, asserting that the insecurity gripping this region is not a product of Anambra residents or Southeasterners.
Amnesty's report, "A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in Southeast Nigeria," unveils a shocking reality: over 1,844 lives were lost between January 2021 and June 2023. Communities like Izombe, Lilu, and Agwa have transformed into lawless territories where armed groups operate unchecked. Those tasked with protecting citizens—state forces—have been implicated in extrajudicial killings and torture, while non-state actors enforce sit-at-home orders through fear and violence, leaving residents trapped in turmoil.
Key Findings
- Massive Loss of Life: More than 1,844 people were killed in violence instigated by both state and non-state actors.
- Widespread Abuses: Extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests have been documented, affecting civilians, activists, and suspected separatists.
- Actors Involved:
- State forces, including the police and military, are complicit in unlawful acts.
- Non-state actors, such as armed groups and vigilantes, are responsible for heinous violence and displacement.
- Ungoverned Spaces: Areas like Agwa and Izombe are no longer safe; they are lawless and uncontrolled.
- Sit-at-Home Orders: The enforcement of IPOB directives has resulted in serious human rights violations and disruption of everyday life.
Broader Implications
This report unequivocally connects the ongoing violence to the government’s brutal response to Pro-Biafra protests since 2015, a response that has only fueled cycles of fear and retribution. The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is a significant catalyst of unrest and division. IPOB argues that this report validates their non-violent stance and calls for urgent international intervention.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has mandated a review of Amnesty International's 2025 report, "A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria."
Key Points:
- Relevant police departments are to assess the report thoroughly.
- The review will cross-reference the report's claims with operational records and field intelligence.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the police highlighted that past Amnesty reports have often contained inaccuracies. Despite previous accusations of violence against the South-East, genuine changes have not occurred, and violent tactics continue with more impunity.
On the other hand, the Nigerian military, through the Defense Headquarters, has officially denied the allegations made by Amnesty International regarding extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses in the South-East, covering the period from January 2021 to June 2023.
Key Points from the Military's Response:
- Denial of Wrongdoing: The military asserted that its troops adhere to strict rules of engagement and are committed to protecting civilians, not harming them.
- Questioning Methodology: Military representatives criticized the accuracy of Amnesty's report, arguing that it relied on unverified testimonies and lacked essential context.
- Focus on Operations: They clarified that military actions in the South-East are aimed at restoring peace and combating armed groups rather than targeting civilians.
It is not surprising that the military issued this denial. Historically, they have been reluctant to acknowledge any wrongdoing that might necessitate changes, while still wanting to maintain the right to continue their actions in the South-East.
This crisis represents more than just violence—it is a call to action against dislocation and the erosion of communal trust. We are not merely contending with physical threats; we are confronting a dire risk of forgetting our shared identity.
Moving forward demands nothing less than justice, dialogue, and cultural renewal. Justice must entail accountabilities for all perpetrators, restoring public trust in the rule of law. Dialogue should not exclude any voices; it must integrate elders, youth, women, and spiritual leaders, all sharing their dreams and grievances.
Culturally, we must reclaim our traditions that unify us and instill in future generations the significance of Igbo unity as a sacred inheritance.
To the diaspora: your voice is essential. Hold leaders accountable for making biased statements. Your support is vital for healing and remembrance.
Let us not allow the spirits of those we have lost to wander in vain. Southeastern citizens must demand security for their lives and property from their leaders—this is non-negotiable.
References:
"What Do You Mean?" Military Breaks Silence as Amnesty Int'l Says 1,844 Killed in Southeast - Legit.ng
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