JUST IN: World Igbo Congress Plans Washington D.C. Rally Over Killings, Kidnappings in Nigeria

The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has announced plans for a mass rally in Washington, D.C., to draw international attention to escalating insecurity in Nigeria, including killings and kidnappings across several communities.

In a statement made available to Daily Insider, on Wednesday, the Igbo group has mandated it's Vice Chairman, Mazi Basil Onwukwe with leading a delegation to the U.S. capital. 

The rally is being organized in partnership with the Save Nigeria advocacy group led by Stephen Osemweigie.

The organizers said the event seeks to raise awareness about challenges faced by Christian communities and other citizens affected by what they described as jihadist Islamic violence. They also plan to advocate for more decisive action from the Tinubu administration to address the crisis.

The rally is scheduled to begin on June 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and will run through June 23, 2026.

The activities will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring U.S. Congress members recognized for raising public awareness on Nigeria’s security situation.

Speaking on behalf of the diaspora Igbo apex body, Mazi Onwukwe reiterated WIC’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for atrocities in Nigeria face justice. He said the group will also work to expose individuals it alleges are financing the violence.

Onwukwe raised concerns over the government’s approach to integrating former Boko Haram members described as “repentant” into security forces. He contrasted it with what he called the detention of youths agitating for good governance.

He said the persistent threat of mass killings and kidnappings requires a proper investigation of Nigeria’s security apparatus. Onwukwe urged Nigerians in the diaspora to stand with the U.S. government in support of the cause and continue efforts to protect lives and property back home.

The World Igbo Congress said it hopes the Washington rally will pressure both Nigerian and international stakeholders to take stronger action against insecurity.