The Igbo National Union World-wide (INU-W) has given the Ogun State government a seven (7)-day ultimatum to wade into the murder of Mrs. Blessing Eze, an Igbo woman, by tax collectors in Ifo market.
The union said that within the seven days, the Ogun State government and the security agencies are expected to use the relevant laws in Nigeria to effect the arrests of the culprits and see that justice is served so as to assuage frayed nerves.
INU-W said that it is disheartening that both the security agencies and the state government are yet to respond to the dastardly act or make statements about the incident.
In a statement signed by Barr. Ngozi Ogbomor, spokesperson, and Sir Justin Onyenso, national secretary, INU-W said that it is baffling Mrs. Eze was killed over her unwillingness to pay an illegally imposed levy of ₦1,500 (1 US dollar) for an Islamic religious festival that has nothing to do with the market activities.
INU-W said that the daylight murder of the innocent and hapless woman had once again portrayed the Igbo person as a target for annihilation at the slightest provocation by both the Nigerian state and its ubiquitous security agents.
“What concerns the traders with a Muslim festival that they are not part of? And why impose religious levies on non-Muslim adherents?
“It can now be adduced that to the perpetrators, Igbo life is worth less than 1 US dollar. God forbid.”
INU-W said that out of the nonchalant attitude of the Ogun government and her security agencies, it has issued the seven-day ultimatum, or it will be compelled to embark on any course of action that we deem necessary to make sure Mrs. Blessing Eze did not die in vain.
The union said that since the Igbo person has been designated as a human specimen for destruction and decimation, the Igbos must fashion out a system that will give them the impetus to protect themselves or forcefully retaliate against any wrong done to them.
“No tribe or religion has the monopoly on violence and destruction. Igbo National Union Worldwide will patiently wait for the final outcome of this heinous act perpetrated by the so-called touts before coming out with our own resolve.
“But in the main, and since it has now been established (with the scenario that played out in Ogun State) that such levies can be imposed and forcefully collected by agents of the state government without anyone raising eyebrows.
“Ndigbo will now henceforth impose levies on sojourners in the entire Igbo nation (not only on businesses), including wheelbarrow pushers, mai-guards, shoe shiners, agbo (trado-herbs vendors), etc., during our New Yam festivals and Igba Mmanwu (Masquerades) ceremonies.”
INU-W said that never again will Igbos continue struggling and fighting for their survival and acceptance in Nigeria, as they must henceforth stamp their right to existence and showcase the essence of why God created and planted them in this part of the universe.
“Let no one continue preaching unity in diversity to us because the bases are not there. We want to quickly remind Nigeria and Nigerians that ‘there’s no unity between the dead and those that killed them.’ Enough of these intimidations and extortions. Let no one dare us.”
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