Chimamanda Adichie Expresses Concern Over Insecurity in Southeast, Sparks Online Reactions
Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has stirred conversations online following comments attributed to her regarding the current state of insecurity in southeastern Nigeria.
In a televised interview excerpt that recently surfaced on social media, Adichie was quoted saying that many Igbos, including herself, now prefer staying in cities like Lagos or Abuja over returning to their ancestral homes in Igboland due to fear and insecurity.
The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by verified user A. Ayofe, featured a clip from the interview along with a caption that read, “Igboland has changed and we Igbo prefer Lagos or Abuja to our home, because we are terrified of going home – Chimamanda.”
The tweet also took a swipe at Adichie, accusing her of inconsistency, noting that “when she met Peter Obi she was shining teeth,” implying a warm and enthusiastic demeanor toward the former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate.
The video clip shows Adichie in a studio segment titled “Chimamanda Adichie discusses dream count: South East and other issues” on Afia TV’s East’n Eye programme. She appeared poised and passionate as she addressed the various challenges confronting the region, including violence, fear, and the erosion of a once-strong sense of community and identity.
Her remarks have drawn mixed reactions. While some praised her for speaking truth to power and highlighting the anxiety felt by many southeastern Nigerians, others accused her of being selective in her activism and aligning herself with political figures when convenient.
The Southeast region has been grappling with rising insecurity in recent years, fueled by separatist agitations, armed attacks, and strained relations between residents and security forces. Adichie’s comments echo the sentiments of many Igbos in the diaspora and urban centers who express reluctance to return home, especially during festive periods.
As discussions unfold, many await a fuller version of the interview to understand the full context of her remarks. For now, the conversation continues to reflect the broader unease surrounding safety, identity, and political alignment in Nigeria’s Southeast.
