The Igbo people are known for their resilience, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit. From thriving in trade and business to contributing to the academic and professional landscapes of the world, the Igbos have proven time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with.
But in recent times, one of the most baffling and devastating phenomena to hit Igbo land is the so-called “sit-at-home” protest—a misguided action that has led to the loss of countless lives and caused untold suffering for the very people it purports to protect.
The sit-at-home has become a tragic weekly ritual, where local traders, artisans, and small-scale business owners, who depend on daily earnings to feed their families, are forced into idleness. These individuals are the backbone of the Igbo economy, but under the guise of a political protest, their livelihoods are being destroyed. The irony is palpable—these same people, who rely on daily trading to survive, are left to starve as they are coerced into staying indoors, only to be targeted by violent enforcers of the protest when they venture out in search of sustenance.
What is even more troubling is that the so-called enforcers of the sit-at-home offer no form of relief or support to the victims. They do not provide food, money, or any kind of assistance to help those who are locked up in their homes. In fact, many of the victims of the sit-at-home are shot, beaten, or abducted for trying to break the enforced lockdown to care for their families. The situation has spiraled out of control, with innocent people caught in the crossfire of what is supposed to be a peaceful political protest.
It is difficult to comprehend how this can be justified, especially when it is the very people the protest claims to fight for that are being killed and displaced. The message is lost in the violence, and the alleged cause is drowned out by the bloodshed. How does this make sense for a people who are known for their intelligence and enterprising nature?
The tragedy does not end there. The Nigerian government, rather than intervening to restore order, has responded by deploying military personnel, many of whom are of Igbo extraction, to the South East region. These soldiers, who are sent to protect lives and maintain security, are often killed in the process, adding to the growing list of casualties in the region. This leads to a painful question: how is this not a case of Igbos killing Igbos?
What is even more disheartening is the silence from Igbo leaders, intellectuals, and other influential figures in the society. Where are the voices of reason? Where is the call for unity and peace? Where are the Igbo elites who should be using their influence to halt this senseless destruction? Are they waiting for the region to be reduced to ashes before they speak out? The silence of Igbo leadership in the face of this crisis is both disturbing and inexplicable.
When all is said and done, who will the sit-at-home enforcers rule over? The dead? The living are already suffering, and if this continues, the region risks losing its most valuable asset—the people themselves. The cycle of violence, fear, and destruction must be broken. The enforcers of the sit-at-home should reflect on the consequences of their actions and recognize that the ultimate goal should be the well-being and future of the Igbo people, not their destruction.
It is time for a deep introspection. We must put an end to this madness before it consumes us. The future of Igbo land depends on the collective efforts of its people, not on senseless violence or self-inflicted harm. The question is: will we choose to learn from this tragedy and chart a new course, or will we continue down this path of self-destruction?
The time for change is now. We must think deeper, act smarter, and stop shooting ourselves in the foot. The Igbo people deserve better.
