Why Insecurity Persists in the Southeast, Bianca Ojukwu Explains

Nigerian politician and beauty pageant titleholder, Bianca Odinakachukwu Olivia Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the widow of former Biafra president Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has clarified the reasons behind the relentless insecurity in the southeast region of Nigeria.

The former beauty queen stated that while insecurity is prevalent all over the country, it has become specifically intense in the Southeast because of opportunistic criminal elements using the separatist agitation to carry out heinous acts.

She stressed that the ongoing killings and abductions have led to the acquisition of community farmlands by armed herdsmen and other invaders.

Mrs. Ojukwu made the statement at the annual convention of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) in Charlotte, North Carolina, a veteran organisation comprising American citizens of Igbo descent who have served or are currently serving in different branches of the U.S. military.

The 2024 conference addressed the pressing issues facing the Igbo homeland, especially the insecurity crisis in several Southeastern states. It brought together stakeholders, involving serving military personnel, veterans, industry leaders, and representatives from the North Carolina Governor’s office, to engage in dialogue and strategies for the development of Igboland.

As a Special Guest, Bianca stressed the benefits of the Igbo diaspora preserving and defending their core values, identity, and heritage. She reorganised the diaspora’s concerns regarding the security challenges in the South East and urged the five state governors to partner in addressing the issue.

She reaffirmed calls to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, claiming that his freedom would lead to improvements in the security situation in the South East.