In response to recent comments made by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in which he proposed arming Igbo youths to defend against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), renowned lawyer and Igbo activist, Barrister Aloy Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the proposal, describing it as divisive and inflammatory.
Ejiofor, who has long been at the forefront of advocacy for peace, unity, and justice in the Southeast, emphasized that the suggestion of arming youth groups could only exacerbate existing tensions, deepen divisions, and lead to further violence in the region.
“It is both reckless and dangerous for anyone to suggest that the solution to the challenges we face in the region is to arm young people, pitting them against their fellow countrymen. This will only escalate conflict, fuel animosity, and lead to further bloodshed,” Ejiofor said.
He pointed out that such provocative statements from prominent individuals only serve to destabilize Nigeria’s fragile peace, particularly in the South East, where ongoing issues of unrest and insecurity require careful, nuanced, and peace-building approaches.
Ejiofor called for dialogue, mutual understanding, and the pursuit of long-term solutions to the challenges in the region. He urged all political and religious leaders to prioritize peace and reconciliation rather than promote division and militarization.
“Rather than promoting violence, we need leaders who will work tirelessly to ensure the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional backgrounds,” he concluded.