February 19, 2026 — The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a United States-based non-profit organization of honourably discharged military veterans of Igbo ancestry, has condemned the reported killing of a traditional ruler in Ondo State and renewed its call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued for immediate release and signed by its president, Sylvester Onyia, the organisation expressed sorrow over the death of Oba Kehinde Falodun, identified as the Alagamo of Agamo Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. AVID described the incident as a tragic attack on a traditional institution and extended condolences to the monarch’s family, the Agamo community, and residents of Ondo State.
Security Concerns Raised
The group alleged that the monarch was killed on February 18, 2026, by armed assailants suspected to be bandits, stating that the incident reflects a broader pattern of insecurity affecting communities across Nigeria. AVID warned that persistent attacks on rural communities and traditional authorities underscore the need for stronger security responses and coordinated counter-terrorism strategies.
Link to Broader Political Advocacy
In its statement, AVID argued that long-standing warnings issued by Kanu regarding insecurity in parts of Nigeria should be revisited within ongoing national security discussions. The organisation maintained that the continued detention of the IPOB leader has implications for political tensions and public discourse surrounding self-determination and national stability.
The group also referenced the judicial proceedings involving Justice James Omotosho, who presided over Kanu’s case, suggesting that recent security developments in parts of the South-West highlight the need for a broader reassessment of national security priorities.
Demands to Nigerian Authorities and International Community
AVID outlined several demands, including:
- The unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu from detention;
- An international investigation into armed groups operating across Nigeria;
- Increased cooperation among political and traditional leaders to address insecurity;
- Greater diplomatic engagement from the international community regarding security and human rights concerns in Nigeria.
The organisation further urged Nigerian authorities and global stakeholders to adopt what it described as a more balanced and proactive approach to addressing insecurity, warning that continued violence in rural and semi-urban communities could deepen national tensions if not urgently addressed.
Call for Unity and Policy Action
Concluding the release, AVID emphasised that the security challenges facing different regions of Nigeria require collective action beyond ethnic and political divisions. The group stated that lasting peace would depend on justice, institutional reforms, and coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable communities across the country.
Post a Comment