Joe Igbokwe, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused the Igbo ethnic group of hypocrisy over their muted response to ongoing killings in the South-East region of Nigeria. In a social media post, Igbokwe described the silence of many Igbos regarding violence in their own region as “yeye people” behavior, criticizing them for being vocal about attacks in Benue and Plateau states but remaining largely quiet about similar or worse incidents in Igboland12.
Igbokwe highlighted that since 2015, there have been significant internal conflicts and killings among Igbos themselves, yet the community has not adequately addressed these issues. He suggested that this selective outrage undermines their credibility and called for a more consistent and united stance against violence wherever it occurs2.
The APC chieftain’s remarks come amid rising tensions and insecurity in the South-East, where clashes involving various groups, including proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) factions, have led to significant loss of lives and property. Igbokwe has previously condemned violent agitations and urged Igbos to pursue justice and equity through peaceful means rather than violence or secessionist movements6.
His comments have sparked debate across social media and political circles, with some defending his call for accountability and others criticizing the tone and language used. The issue underscores the broader challenges of ethnic tensions, security, and political representation in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
