The Joint Body of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution has issued a statement condemning the recent surge in hate speech and ethnic profiling targeting the Ndigbo community. The statement, signed by prominent traditional and religious leaders, warns of the destructive potential of unchecked hostility, citing the Rwandan genocide and the Nigerian Civil War as examples.

The Joint Body commends President Bola Tinubu for his recent address condemning ethnic bigotry and threats, but emphasizes the need for concrete actions to address the issue. They recommend that the government immediately sanction and prosecute those using hate speech and ethnic profiling, and urge the National Assembly to pass comprehensive legislation criminalizing such behavior.

Additionally, the Joint Body calls for a nationwide campaign to educate citizens on the dangers of hate speech and the importance of ethnic harmony, as well as dialogue sessions within communities to foster understanding and cooperation. They also urge media houses to adopt a code of conduct that discourages divisive content and encourages reporting that builds bridges between communities.

The statement therefore concludes by emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual respect among all ethnic groups in building a peaceful and progressive Nigeria, and implores citizens to remember the horrors of the past and work together towards a harmonious future.