Legal Practitioner Calls for Community Vigilance to Combat Insecurity

A lawyer and human rights advocate, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor in a press statement released in Awka on Tuesday, commended security agents for their significant achievements in addressing crime, particularly in Anambra State.

He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that necessitates the active participation of all community members.

As the lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ejiofor expressed his thoughts on recent developments related to the Ihiala massacre.

He referred to a viral video featuring one of the alleged masterminds of the heinous crime who has since been apprehended by law enforcement.

In his statement, he made several observations that warrant consideration.

“The self-admitted murderer implicated in the recent atrocities in Ihiala appears to be a native of the very community he terrorized, rather than an outsider from a neighboring area.

“The accomplices mentioned in the video are reportedly residents of Ihiala, undermining the belief that such criminals are solely hiding in distant forests. This revelation highlights the necessity for increased vigilance within the community.”

While publicizing confessions can enhance awareness about local threats, Ejiofor cautioned that disseminating this information widely at this stage might be premature.

Sir Ejiofor strongly asserted that those involved in these crimes are not freedom fighters but rather agents of chaos and destruction who should be treated as criminals.

“The tendency to prematurely but mischievously associate every violent crime in the Southeast with IPOB/ESN, even before the commencement of investigation and without thorough investigations, weakens citizens’ participation in combating our common enemies who thrive on fear and bloodshed.

“Security must not be left solely to government agencies. Communities must actively identify and confront these criminal elements to restore peace. Investigations should inform appropriate unbiased classifications of offenders.”

Ejiofor stressed that no true Igbo or Biafran would associate themselves with heartless criminals who harm their fellow citizens, insisting that those responsible should face justice for their actions.

He highlighted the importance of effective collaboration between citizens and security agencies, stating that such partnerships would eliminate political compromises, foster proactive responses, and significantly reduce violent crime in local communities.

Sir Ejiofor further called for the eradication of criminal elements in society and uplifted a prayer for healing and peace in Ihiala, Anambra, and the broader Southeast.

He urged all citizens to take charge of their security and work together to reclaim the integrity of their communities, asserting that unity is key to overcoming challenges.