Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has insisted that more than 30000 Igbo people have been killed across the South East due to sit at home violence and attacks linked to IPOB and ESN activities.
Kalu, who represents Abia North, spoke during an interview on ARISE News. He dismissed claims by IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful that he exaggerated the figures or sponsored any separatist group.
Kalu said, “My statement was very clear on what I said. I said there are over 30000 Igbos that have lost their life in the process of sit at home, do this, do that in the South East. Businesses were stopped. People in Ihiala and along those areas, and people in Orlu and part of all the South East cannot go to their homes.”
He described Emma Powerful’s response as childish and faulted him for hiding his identity.
Kalu added, “If Emma Powerful is issuing a statement, he should come on television the way I have come to address you. That is Emma Powerful with clear identity of who he is. Igbos should not be taken for a ride or for granted.”
He stressed that his comments were based on the real human and economic damage caused by the unrest. He noted that many families have lost their livelihoods as a result of violence and prolonged insecurity.
Although he expressed sympathy for the family of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu said the suffering of ordinary citizens must also be recognised.
He said, “I sympathise truly with the family of Nnamdi Kanu and what has happened to them. And I want the Federal Government and everybody to think of how they can resolve the matter. They should think of what happened to people that lost their businesses, people that lost their lives, families that have been killed. It is a statement of fact. I don’t talk any harm.”
Kalu urged leaders to explore a political solution to restore peace in the region.
