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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Igbo leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for enhanced security measures on major highways ahead of the Christmas travel season, citing increasing risks faced by travellers along key routes in the South East and other parts of the country.
Speaking at the group’s end-of-year meeting in Gombe, President General of the delegation, Chief Kenneth Okeugo, said security along interstate corridors must be prioritised to guarantee safe movement during the yuletide. He noted that poor security conditions and recurrent criminal attacks on highways have heightened fears among travellers.
Okeugo urged the Federal Government to deploy additional personnel to flash-points, arguing that the level of mobilisation witnessed during the Anambra governorship election demonstrates the capacity to protect commuters if the political will is applied. “If 45,000 security operatives can be deployed for one election, a fraction of that along the eastern roads will ensure safe travel for our people this Christmas,” he said.
He explained that the meeting, which marked the fourth quarterly gathering of the association, focused on community relations, political participation and welfare of Igbo residents in Northern Nigeria. Okeugo stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence with host communities and the need to support state governments where they reside. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to identify economic opportunities for Igbo traders and industrialists living in the North.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, he disclosed that the group had mobilised eligible Igbo residents to register as voters, reaffirming their resolve to participate in the political process from their places of residence. He maintained that voter participation would help strengthen national cohesion and ensure that Igbo interests are represented in the political landscape.
The group also restated its position on the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that his release remains critical to restoring stability in the South East.
Okeugo argued that Kanu’s continued detention has allowed criminal elements to exploit the situation and called for dialogue as a pathway to de-escalation.
“If we are truly seeking national unity and peace, dialogue and political solution remain the most viable option,” he said.
He confirmed that the organisation was engaging Northern governors and relevant authorities ahead of the holiday season, with letters already drafted to key leaders, including the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State. He added that some Southeastern state governments had begun arranging transportation support to ease travel for the returning residents.
