The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced that the Southeast region has experienced a notable improvement in security and general calm following the arrest of controversial figure Simon Ekpa. Speaking during a media briefing, General Musa highlighted the significant drop in violence and unrest in the region since the development.
Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed( Biafran agitator based in Finland, has been a prominent voice pushing for sit-at-home orders and civil disobedience in the Southeast. His rhetoric and directives were believed to have contributed to the chaos and instability in several Southeastern states, resulting in economic disruption, fear among citizens, and loss of lives.
General Musa pointed out that prior to Ekpa’s arrest, the region had become a hotbed for insecurity, largely driven by misinformation and incitement. He credited the collaborative effort between Nigerian security forces and international agencies for tracking and apprehending Ekpa, who had long eluded justice while operating from abroad.
“The situation has greatly improved,” General Musa stated. “We’ve seen a marked reduction in violent incidents, and people are gradually returning to their normal routines. Markets are reopening, children are going back to school, and public transportation is resuming steadily.”
The arrest has been received with mixed reactions, especially on social media. While many Nigerians, particularly residents of the Southeast, expressed relief and optimism, a small faction still views Ekpa as a freedom fighter. However, the military insists that no individual should incite violence under the guise of activism.
General Musa also emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with local communities to build trust and foster peace. “The military cannot do it alone. We need the support of the people, traditional leaders, and civil society. Peacebuilding is a shared responsibility.”
In response to concerns about potential reprisals or resurgence of violence, General Musa assured citizens that the Armed Forces remain fully prepared to maintain order. He urged all agitators to embrace dialogue and lawful avenues for expressing grievances, noting that Nigeria belongs to everyone.
Analysts believe the arrest of Simon Ekpa may be a turning point in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with secessionist movements and extremist propaganda. It sends a clear message about the government’s readiness to tackle threats to national unity, no matter where they originate.
As the Southeast begins to rebuild confidence, the focus now shifts to addressing the root causes of discontent, including marginalization, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment. General Musa stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved when the government works hand-in-hand with the people.
For now, the mood in many parts of the Southeast appears hopeful — a calm after the storm. And for the Nigerian government, this might just be the start of a broader strategy to restore lasting peace and stability across all troubled regions.
0 Comments