The Emeritus Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Most Rev Prof Emmanuel Chukwuma, claims that the ongoing banditry and kidnapping in northern Nigeria is divine retribution for historical wrongdoing against the Igbo people.
During an interview with Vanguard, the reverend revealed his belief that the Nigerian Civil War, particularly the events in Asaba, constituted a real genocide of the Igbo community.
He emphasized that without repentance and reparation, these acts of violence would continue due to unresolved grievances.
His Statement reads;
“The Nigeria Civil War dealt with us in Asaba, it was a real genocide and we’re asking for apology and more compensation as they do in other places. What is happening now in the whole of northern Nigeria – the banditry, kidnappings etc – is God’s punishment for what they did to us, yes!
“And until they apologize and ask for forgiveness, at no time will this banditry, kidnapping and killings stop. The blood of innocent people is crying and that’s what you are seeing there. So until they apologize and make some restitution, the banditry and mayhem you have in the North will not stop.”
Speaking further, he insisted that there should be no segregation in the country, adding that every region must be given equal rights and justice.
The clergyman argued that the Igbos must also be given a chance to rule Nigeria.
“Nigeria should be a country for all of us, not a country for just one person. There should be no segregation, nobody should be neglected, and there should be equal rights and justice. Equity and justice must prevail. The Igbo must be given the same opportunity to serve Nigeria and corruption must cease,” he added.
