IPOB Accuses Politicians Of Fueling Insecurity In Igboland

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated its opposition to all forms of criminality while accusing politicians of orchestrating insecurity in Igboland to tarnish the group’s reputation and derail its mission for self-determination.

In a statement on Monday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB claimed that certain politicians are collaborating with external forces to discredit the group and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to IPOB, these politicians aim to undermine the group’s leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and derail the struggle for Biafra through a United Nations-supervised referendum.

“The mission of these Igbo politicians, driven by envy and jealousy of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s popularity and global reach, is to collaborate with historic enemies of the Igbo race to destroy IPOB, disband ESN, and compel our leader to abandon his God-given mandate. Their plans will never work,” the statement read.

IPOB dismissed claims that the ESN was responsible for the wave of insecurity in the region, noting that the escalation of violence began in 2022—two years after the ESN was formed.

“It is idiotic and devoid of logic to attach every incident of criminality or insecurity to ESN. If ESN is responsible, why did insecurity not start in 2020 when ESN was created or in 2012 when IPOB was formed? Only the gullible will believe this state-sponsored demonization propaganda,” IPOB stated.

Naija News reports that the group also alleged that security agencies and politicians have raised and funded criminal elements to infiltrate and ridicule IPOB’s legitimate quest for freedom.

“They have funded individuals, including a person in Finland, to infiltrate IPOB and ridicule our genuine movement,” the statement added.

IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with genuine local security outfits to combat the criminals allegedly sponsored by political actors.

The group emphasized its dedication to justice, lawfulness, and its ultimate goal of achieving Biafra through a peaceful process.

“Biafraland will never be conquered by jihadists, and the Igbo race will not be subservient to any interest or group, regardless of the cost,” the statement declared.

The group urged Nigerians to see through what it described as a “well-funded propaganda campaign” against IPOB, the ESN, and Nnamdi Kanu, calling for vigilance in identifying the real perpetrators of insecurity in the region.

IPOB concluded by reiterating its unwavering resolve to fight for the liberation of the Igbo people while maintaining its stance against all forms of criminality and oppression.