According to multiple sources, the exam class of CSS Nkume in Njaba LGA of Imo State were writing their English Language WASCE earlier today when suspected IPOB “sit-at-home” enforcers broke into the school and violently dispersed the students. They also reportedly set ablaze motorbikes belonging to school teachers and visiting invigilators.
This attack adds to the widespread reports of violence, arson, brigandage and murder that has characterised the “sit-at-home orders” of the past few weeks.
As an Igbo man, spilling of innocent blood and violent attacks on school children and teachers is strange to me. What is even more confusing is the attitude of those of us still excusing and therefore encouraging this kind of behaviour.
To be sure, IPOB, as an organisation, has justifiable reasons to be angry at both the Nigerian state and the fumbling political leadership of the south-east. They also retain the liberty to demonstrate that anger in periodic boycotts, “sit-at-home” or whatever method they so choose.
What they don’t have, however, is the right to violently coerce those who are not so persuaded by their rhetorics and tactics to join them in whatever they are doing.
Those who believe that closing their businesses and stopping their children from writing certificate examinations will magically solve all the problems of the south-east should by all means do so. They however cannot be allowed to continue violently insisting that others join them in their tactless pursuits.
IPOB, unfortunately, has derailed and become unrepentantly destructive. This ongoing madness is threatening to put the south-east six feet under. We must now therefore summon the full weight of the Igbo spirit and show this idol the tree it was hewn from.
Chima Christian
Be the first to comment