The Igbo National Union Worldwide (INU-W) has called on all Southeast State Houses of Assembly to urgently enact laws banning open grazing, as a strategic step toward curbing the persistent menace of violent herdsmen attacks in the region.

 

In a statement issued by its National President, Ngozi Ogbomor, and Administrative Secretary, Austin Mary Ndukwu, the group also appealed to communities across the five Igbo states to establish local vigilante teams. These community-based security outfits, they argue, are vital for safeguarding farmlands and ending the growing wave of killings and sexual violence linked to armed herdsmen.

 

INU-W expressed dismay at the apparent inability of security agencies to contain the threat, noting that not a single armed herdsman has been successfully apprehended or prosecuted despite numerous attacks.

 

The group strongly condemned what it described as widespread human rights violations and persistent security breaches caused by the herdsmen, particularly in Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states.

 

“The bloodshed, destruction of property, and sexual violence committed by these armed individuals have spiraled out of control,” the statement reads. “We can no longer rely on a government that appears indifferent or on security forces that have shown helplessness. The people of the Southeast must rise to defend themselves.”

 

INU-W stressed that it is time for a united front, calling on traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth organizations, business elites, women groups, and student leaders to take proactive steps in defending Igbo land from further attacks.

 

The group concluded by reiterating its demand for anti-open grazing legislation, describing it as a necessary move to curb the increasing atrocities perpetrated by terrorists disguised as herdsmen.