An association of Igbo clergymen, known as the Concerned Igbo Ministers’ Commission, has reacted strongly to the recent deadly attacks in parts of Kwara State, linking the violence to warnings previously made by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The clerics said Kanu was imprisoned for speaking against what he described as the spread of extremist violence into Southern Nigeria, warnings they believe were ignored by authorities.

Speaking through its president, Rev. Tony Uzor, the group expressed regret that Nigerian leaders allegedly chose to silence Kanu instead of acting on his alerts. According to the cleric, Kanu did not carry weapons but used his voice to draw attention to security threats. He criticised the government for what he described as harsh treatment of dissenting voices while armed groups continue to operate freely in several parts of the country.

The clerics argued that recent killings in Kwara, which reportedly claimed over 100 lives, reflect long-standing security failures. They accused the government of reacting too slowly to attacks, while showing stronger resolve in prosecuting political agitators. The group claimed this imbalance raises serious questions about national priorities and the protection of innocent lives.

The Concerned Igbo Ministers’ Commission concluded by warning that silencing critical voices without addressing the root causes of violence could deepen Nigeria’s security crisis. They called for a renewed focus on preventing attacks, protecting communities, and ensuring justice is applied fairly, stressing that national unity cannot be sustained if lives continue to be lost without accountability.