…warns against growing hostility towards Igbos
By Ime Silas
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors, FOSAD, has strongly condemned the reported gruesome killing of Ifeanyi Chukwu, his wife and their four children in Ibadan, Oyo State, demanding a thorough and transparent investigation and speedy prosecution of those found culpable.
In a press statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, the academic body described the killing of an entire family as an unspeakable tragedy that underscores the urgent need to strengthen security and uphold the sanctity of human life.
“The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) strongly condemns the reported gruesome killing of Ifeanyi Chukwu, his wife and their four children in Ibadan, Oyo State. We demand a thorough and transparent investigation, speedy prosecution of those found culpable, and decisive action by the Federal and State Governments to protect the lives and property of Igbo people across Nigeria,” the group stated.
FOSAD noted that while the Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects who allegedly confessed to their involvement, the investigation must be pursued to its logical conclusion.
“The reported killing of an entire family is an unspeakable tragedy and a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security and uphold the sanctity of human life. While the Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects who allegedly confessed to their involvement, FOSAD insists that the investigation must be pursued to its logical conclusion and justice must be served through a fair judicial process,” the statement said.
The Forum expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing pattern of hostility targeted at Igbo people in different parts of Nigeria, warning that no Nigerian should live in fear because of ethnic identity.
“We are deeply concerned that Igbo people increasingly appear to be targets of physical attacks, verbal hostility, ethnic profiling and discriminatory treatment in different parts of Nigeria. No Nigerian should live in fear, suffer intimidation or face violence because of their ethnic identity or place of origin,” FOSAD said.
According to the group, the sense of vulnerability among Igbo communities is becoming alarming and must be addressed urgently by authorities.
“The growing sense of vulnerability among Igbo communities is alarming. Igbos are an integral part of Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economy, education, commerce and national development. They are entitled to the same security, dignity and constitutional protection as every other citizen. No ethnic group should be made to feel like an endangered species in its own country,” it added.
FOSAD listed five key demands to the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies, including ensuring diligent prosecution of those responsible for the killing, strengthening protection of Igbo lives, businesses and property, and investigating credible reports of ethnic violence, threats and hate speech.
The group further called on government to “Hold perpetrators accountable without ethnic, political or religious considerations” and to “Promote national unity through public statements and policies that reject ethnic hatred and protect every Nigerian.”
The academic doctors also appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, community organisations and the media to reject inflammatory rhetoric that portrays any ethnic group as unwelcome or inferior.
Clarifying its position, FOSAD said, “Our demand is not for vengeance or preferential treatment. It is a demand for justice, equal protection under the law and the fundamental right of every Nigerian to live and work without fear.”
It warned that government must not allow the lives of Igbo people or any other Nigerian community to be treated as expendable.
“The Federal and State Governments must not allow the lives of Igbo people or any other Nigerian community to be treated as expendable. Justice for the Chukwu family must be accompanied by concrete measures to prevent further violence and restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to protect all citizens,” the statement said.
FOSAD said it stands in solidarity with the bereaved relatives, adding: “Justice for the Chukwu family. Security for Igbos. Equal protection for every Nigerian.”