Women rights activist calls for end to ethnical divisions in Nigeria

By Chijindu Emeruwa

Global President of Igbo Women Ambassadors, Lady Marlene Onyeocha-Okolie has advocated an urgent end to the tribal divisions plaguing Nigeria, particularly between the igbo and yoruba ethnic communities in the country.

This comes on the heels of the recent killings and jungle justice witnessed in mandilas, Lagos state.

Speaking on thursday, Lady Onyeocha-Okolie expressed deep concern over how ethnic biases and long-standing stereotypes continue to fuel violence and mistrust among citizens who should be united under a common national identity.

Jungle justice, often driven by mob mentality and misinformation, becomes even more dangerous when laced with tribal sentiment, leading to innocent lives being lost in the name of ethnic retaliation or prejudice.

She emphasized that such acts of brutality reflect not only a breakdown of law and order but also a failure to embrace Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.

Ambassador Marlene Onyeocha-Okolie further appealed to community leaders, youth organizations, and religious institutions to take active roles in fostering peace and mutual respect across ethnic lines.

She noted that Nigeria’s progress is being hindered by internal divisions, and true national development can only be achieved when unity and justice take precedence over tribal loyalty.

Highlighting the historical coexistence and interdependence between igbos and yorubas in commerce, culture, and community life, the women rights activist urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and focus instead on building bridges of understanding and cooperation.

“The country must rise above ethnic sentiments and collectively uphold the rule of law, ensuring that no community or individual is targeted based on tribal identity,”