Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly condemned a disturbing video circulating on social media.
The video, posted by a user identified as @Anyi_anambra on TikTok, allegedly encourages Igbo people to poison the food of the Yoruba and Benin communities.
The video features the individual threatening to use toxic substances, referred to as “ota pia-paia” and “eat and die sniper,” against members of these groups.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia on Wednesday expressed concern.
It stated, “While we might have dismissed the video as the rantings of a deranged individual, the widespread alarm it has caused among our people necessitates a response.”
The statement was prompted by numerous calls from concerned citizens and a request from Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, for urgent action.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo challenges the authenticity of the video’s claims, emphasising that the individual does not reflect the Igbo values of thoughtfulness and community integration.
Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary General of Ohanaeze, denounced the video as a malicious attempt to stir ethnic discord.
“This video and its creator are nothing more than purveyors of hate, aiming to sow seeds of mistrust and conflict,” Emuchay stated.
The organisation highlighted the strong historical and cultural bonds shared between the Igbo, Yoruba, and Edo peoples, citing intermarriages and shared traditions.
Ohanaeze urged the public to disregard the video as meaningless and called on security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We assure our Yoruba and Edo brothers and sisters that such threats are baseless and should not be taken seriously.”
