The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has stated that the South-East has not recorded any incidents of attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen since former President Muhammadu Buhari left office and following his reported death in 2025.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the sharp decline in such activities as remarkable, suggesting it points to the likelihood that the militias operated with state backing during Buhari’s administration, allegedly aimed at destabilising Southern Nigeria, particularly the South-East.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo further alleged that for over six years, suspected herdsmen groups carried out widespread attacks across the region, destroying farmlands and severely impacting agricultural communities.
According to the organisation, the groups occupied forests, using them as operational bases while displacing residents from several communities and leaving significant destruction in their wake.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Thompson Ohia, the group claimed that the human toll of the violence was severe, with over 2,960 people reportedly killed and many others injured.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges the significant roles played by the Federal Government and the South-East governors in combating the security challenges that plagued the region.
“However, it cannot be ignored that the most decisive factor in ending this reign of terror was the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2025. Immediately after his passing, there was a perceptible and dramatic reduction in the activities of the Fulani herdsmen militia.
“This undeniable sequence of events has reaffirmed the long-held suspicions of the Igbo people that these militias were state-funded under Buhari’s watch.
“The ‘Fulanization Agenda’ promoted during Buhari’s tenure (2015–2023) was a clear manifestation of a partisan and divisive policy that eroded the trust and confidence of Ndigbo in the APC-led Federal Government.
“The Igbo people endured great suffering during this period, with their safety and livelihoods constantly under threat.
“Thankfully, the current APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken remarkable steps to restore the trust of the Igbo people.
“There has been a remarkable improvement in security across the region. The Igbo can now sleep more soundly at night, free from the constant fear of attack that had become a norm for far too long.
“President Tinubu’s administration has been instrumental in turning the once-dire infrastructure deficits of the South-East into a promising landscape of growth and accessibility.
“The improvement in road networks and other key infrastructure projects is a testament to his commitment to the region.
“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrates his 74th birthday anniversary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo would like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt birthday wishes and express our deepest gratitude.”
The organisation noted that Ndigbo remains indebted to him for bringing about the much-needed transformation in the South-East, turning a region marred by insecurity and underdevelopment into a safe and prosperous environment.
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