July 23, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in collaboration with political leaders of Southeast extraction, has announced a reward of $500,000 for anyone who can provide useful information on the whereabouts of Simon Ekpa for his subsequent capture and arrest.
A statement by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, stated that Southeast political leaders are resolute in bringing Ekpa to justice for his atrocities and alleged sponsorship of armed groups in the region.
According to the statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has taken decisive action in search of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based Biafra agitator responsible for the recent surge in violence, insecurity, and economic disruptions in Southeast Nigeria.
The statement reads, “Simon Ekpa, who hails from Ebonyi State in Southeast Nigeria, has been implicated in orchestrating a series of disruptive activities, including the enforcement of a sit-at-home order that paralyzed the region for one week, from 3rd to 9th July 2023. This order resulted in significant loss of lives and severely crippled the economic and social activities in the Southeast.
“Recent developments indicate that Ekpa was tracked down in Espoo city of Finland on 21st July 2023, but managed to evade capture with unbearable and severe injuries. He is presently believed to be receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Havana, Cuba.
“It has come to our attention that Ekpa is undergoing urgent plastic surgery in the last 48 hours, which further emphasises the need for his swift apprehension. Nevertheless, Ekpa’s allies have been releasing old recorded videos in order to continue to hoodwink his followers, conceal his recent ordeals and near capture, but Igbo mercenaries in diaspora are closing on him.
“In response to the imminent threats posed by Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores the people of Southeast Nigeria to rise and put an end to his nefarious and infamous activities.
“Ekpa is responsible for the recent surge in violence and insecurity in the Southeast, has declared another two weeks of sit-at-home from 31st July to 14th August 2023, undermining the authority of Southeast Governors, who are constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and properties of citizens of Southeast.
“The consequences of another prolonged sit-at-home order orchestrated by a non-state actor like Simon Ekpa are grave. It not only disrupts economic and social activities but also threatens the stability and peace of the Southeast region. Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges the people of Southeast Nigeria to unite and confront these security challenges head-on. The actions of Ekpa and his gunmen undermine the efforts of the regional authorities to maintain law and order.
“Furthermore, Ekpa’s self-proclaimed role as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile and his declaration of a Biafra referendum is deeply concerning. Such actions have the potential to ignite civil unrest and chaos in Southeast Nigeria. The scars of the Biafra-Nigeria civil war, which resulted in the loss of approximately two million lives, predominantly innocent children and women, are still fresh in the memory of the Igbo people. It is crucial that history does not repeat itself.
“The ongoing search for Ekpa is a preventive measure aimed at averting the upcoming sit-at-Home disruptions. The people of Southeast Nigeria hold the power to protect their communities and safeguard their future. It is time to stand united and defeat the insecurity challenges that threaten the region.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on every Igbo person to play an active role in preventing further violence and disruptions. We urge individuals to provide any information that could lead to the capture of Simon Ekpa and bring an end to his dangerous activities. Together, we can ensure the peace, security, and progress of Southeast Nigeria.”
About the Author
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
