Concerned Pan-Igbo organisations have restated the call on Ndigbo to be ready for self-defence in the face of unprovoked attacks by herdsmen.

This was the consensus at the end of an emergency consultative caucus meeting in Enugu at the weekend.

The call was sequel to a similar advice by apex Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo last week.

Convened by Professor Uzodimma Nwala led Alaigbo Development Forum (ADF), the groups after exhaustive discussions came out with the following decisions:

“That there is obvious agenda of a bloody Islamization and jihad to conquer, occupy, take over and enslave Alaigbo and elsewhere in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That Ndigbo should do everything in their power to defend themselves, their wives, children and their ancestral land.

“To set up a joint Committee of pan-Igbo organisations and to prepare Memorandum to alert Ndigbo in Nigeria and in the Diaspora on the peace, development and security of Alaigbo.

“Calls on all Stakeholders in Alaigbo including the Governments and Traditional Institutions in Alaigbo to pursue a common agenda in the interest of the survival of Ndigbo.

“Call on Umuigbo world-wide to liaise with the patriotic pan-Igbo organizations to ensure that all needed resources in Alaigbo support all the patriotic forces engaged in the struggle for Igbo emancipation and security.

“That Ndigbo should seek possible working relationship with other nationalities to ensure collective defence of their territories from the jihadists.

“To continue to promote the Akuruo-Ulo movement through the agency of the Town Unions and the various Traders organisations of Ndigbo.

“To engage in constant consultations and collaborative efforts to promote the peace, security and development of Alaigbo.

The communique was signed by Pof Uzodinma Nwala of ADF; Chief Emeka Diwe, President Association of South East Town Unions; Professor Elochukwu Amucheazi, Secretary, Igbo Leaders of Thought; Innocent Amadi of Bilie Human Rights Initiative; Hon Abia Onyike, chairman ADF publicity bureau; Prof. Math Aniekwu, secretary, ADF; Mrs Fidelis Chukwu, President Igbo Women Assembly; Prince Tony Nwakaeze, Ogbako Igbo Traders of Nigeria; Isaac Onyia, ASETU Enugu state and Comrade Uchenna Madu representing Coalition of Pro-Biafra Organizations.” (The Nation)