Investigative Journalist Urges FG to Tackle Insurgency Ravaging Northern Nigeria, Clears Simon Ekpa of Terrorism Allegations
An independent investigative journalist, Kemi Lawrence, has called on Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Army to prioritize addressing the escalating insecurity in the northern region, along southwestern highways, and in the southeast, where Fulani militias have been accused of targeting Igbo residents.
During a live TikTok session on Friday, Lawrence addressed the controversial figure Simon Ekpa, asserting that he is neither a terrorist nor a financier of terrorism.
The interactive session, which attracted over 12,000 viewers and lasted more than two hours, saw Lawrence emphasize the need for the Nigerian government to redirect its focus toward pressing security challenges. “
Simon Ekpa is NOT a terrorist nor a financier of terror,” Lawrence stated. “He is simply an advocate for a regional Southeast government, much like many others in the region. He does not incite violence.
The Nigerian government and mainstream media know this.” The journalist criticized the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization, claiming it was a politically motivated decision by the Buhari administration.
“IPOB itself is not a terror group. The Buhari government proscribed them out of anger and selfishness. This has only deepened the divisions and insecurity plaguing the nation,” Lawrence said.
She also accused the federal government of neglecting critical security issues, such as banditry in the North and rising attacks along major highways in the Southwest. “The Defence HQ, DSS, and Army should focus on these bandits and the Fulani militias stationed in the Southeast who are killing Igbo residents needlessly,” she urged.
