MASSOB Slams Soludo Over Security Remarks, Accuses Him of Ignoring External Threats
By Alooma Idris Kasumu
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has strongly criticized Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, over comments allegedly made during a recent address in the United States, where he reportedly claimed that 99.9 percent of criminals arrested in Anambra are of Igbo origin.
Governor Soludo, speaking at an Igbo assembly event in the U.S., suggested that the security challenges in Anambra State are largely self-inflicted, stating that most of the arrested suspects hail from the Igbo ethnic group.
However, MASSOB, in a statement signed by its National Director of Information, Samuel Edeson, condemned the governor’s comments as “economical with the truth,” accusing him of deliberately overlooking the roles of external aggressors—particularly armed herders and alleged militants of Hausa-Fulani origin—in the rising wave of violent crimes across the Southeast.
The pro-Biafra group cited numerous incidents, including; The killing of over 200 people at the Gariki Cattle Market in Lokpa Nta, Umunneochi LGA of Abia State, Attacks in Nimbo, Eha-Amufu, Ugwogo-Nike (all in Enugu State) and Violent incidents in Obinze, Imo State
MASSOB claimed these atrocities were allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen, not local Igbo groups.
“It is disheartening to witness Governor Soludo seemingly forget the continuous cycle of killings, kidnappings, rapes, and other crimes against Igbo people in Anambra and beyond, committed by external aggressors,” the statement read.
The group also alleged that various market hubs—such as New Garki and New Artisan markets in Enugu, Ugwuoba Market, and Amansea in Awka—have become breeding grounds for criminal operations involving non-Igbo settlers.
MASSOB accused the governor of ignoring these developments, suggesting that his recent remarks may be driven by political calculations ahead of a potential re-election bid.
“Governor Soludo’s accusations, which appear to exonerate Fulani herdsmen while blaming the victims, are deeply troubling and could sow division among the Igbo people,” MASSOB warned.
The group further claimed that political organizations linked to the state government, such as Ndi Aka Odo and Ndi Udo Ga Chi, have contributed to the insecurity in the region.
MASSOB concluded by urging the governor to adopt a more balanced and truthful approach to addressing security issues in the Southeast, warning that divisive rhetoric and falsehoods will neither solve the problems nor unite the people.
About The Author
