Joe Igbokwe Knocks South-East Leaders Over Insecurity, Praises South-West Protest Response

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has sparked fresh debate over the handling of insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region after criticizing political and community leaders for what he described as their silence during years of violence linked to separatist groups and armed gangs.

Igbokwe made the remarks in a post on his Facebook page while reacting to recent protests in parts of the South-West over growing security concerns and the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers.

Igbokwe Commends South-West Residents

In his post, the APC stalwart shared a photograph showing demonstrators in the South-West publicly expressing their grievances over insecurity and demanding action from authorities.

According to him, the peaceful manner in which residents organized and voiced their concerns reflected a more constructive approach to addressing societal challenges.

He argued that citizens in the South-West were using lawful and civic means to draw attention to security issues affecting their communities.

Criticism of South-East Response

Drawing a comparison with the South-East, Igbokwe lamented what he described as widespread silence during periods of violence allegedly carried out by armed groups operating in the region.

He referenced activities linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and other armed groups, claiming that many residents failed to speak out while communities were being attacked and properties destroyed.

“See how South West is handling their own matter with civility and common sense. Compare it with the behavior of South East citizens when IPOB, ESN, UGM, BDF were killing our people and burning their homes. We all kept quiet,” he wrote.

Renewed Debate Over Insecurity in the South-East

The comments have reignited discussions about the prolonged security challenges facing the South-East, where incidents of attacks on security formations, government facilities, and civilians have been recorded in recent years.

The region has also witnessed periodic sit-at-home orders, clashes involving security agencies, and attacks attributed to armed groups, developments that have generated economic and social concerns among residents.

Critics of the violence have repeatedly called for stronger community engagement and greater cooperation with security agencies, while others have argued that addressing the root causes of unrest remains essential to achieving lasting peace.

Mixed Reactions Trail Remarks

Igbokwe’s comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users agreeing that communities should openly condemn violence regardless of who is responsible, while others accused him of oversimplifying a complex security situation.

Supporters of his position argue that public silence in the face of violence can embolden criminal elements and allow insecurity to worsen.

Others, however, contend that many residents of the South-East have consistently spoken out against violence and insecurity but often receive limited attention in national conversations.

Calls for Collective Action

The latest remarks come amid growing concern over insecurity across various regions of Nigeria, with citizens increasingly demanding stronger action from government authorities and security agencies.

Observers note that regardless of regional differences, the country’s security challenges require collaboration among governments, community leaders, civil society groups, and citizens to ensure lasting peace and stability.

As insecurity continues to dominate national discourse, Igbokwe’s comments are likely to fuel further conversations about civic engagement, public accountability, and the role communities play in confronting violence and criminality.