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Tag: IPOB

  • Unconditional release of Kanu will restore peace in southeast – IPOB

    Unconditional release of Kanu will restore peace in southeast – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said the unconditional release of its leader,  Nnamdi Kanu from DSS detention will restore peace in Southeast region.

    The pro-separatist group insisted that it is only by letting the IPOB leader off the hook having been freed by the court that peace can be restored in the region and by extension to Nigeria. 

    According to the group, the arrest of Kanu gave rise to insecurity and criminality in Southeast because of the love people have for him. 

    The statement by the group Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful reads: “The global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by Nnamdi Kanu once again reiterate that the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from DSS solitary confinement will restore peace in the Southeast and by extension to Nigeria nation. 

    “The absence of our supreme leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, due to his kidnap in Kenya by the Nigeria government, gave rise to the insecurity and criminality in Biafraland today because Biafrans loves him. 

    “At the same time, his continuous illegal incarceration in DSS solitary confinement, despite the court judgments that ordered his unconditional discharge and release, has worsened the security situation in Biafraland and elsewhere in Nigeria.

    “Some sponsored criminals go about kidnapping for ramson and snatching cars from unsuspecting persons in the name of demanding for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. His release will stop all of that.

    “If indeed the Supreme Court Justices are interested in saving Nigeria and people of the Eastern Region, they should uphold the international and local laws and free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Kidnaping and extraordinary rendition of an accused person is a grievous offense according to international laws. 

    “We are patiently waiting to see if the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the Constitutional Court will legalize the international crime of extraordinary renditions or deliver justice. Moreso, we want to see if the Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria will go against UN Charter on People’s Right to Self Determination, which Mazi Nnamdi Kanu represents by agitating for Biafra freedom.”

    The group maintained that releasing Kanu would present an opportunity for the Supreme Court Justices to write their names in gold. 

    Read Also: Work for Kanu’s release, Ekeh urges Southeast governors

    “The Supreme Court Justices have the opportunity to write their names in gold as men of honor by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu, who has not committed any crime against any local or international laws. The Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria should stop the executive arm’s rascality that has so far been exhibited in this case. They should instead emulate the courage of their colleagues on the panel of the Court of Appeal that ordered our leader discharged and acquitted unconditionally and barring any further trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in any court. 

    “We remain peaceful in our agitation, but our peaceful disposition has a limit, which is centered on the freedom and safety of our supreme leader. Mazi Nnamdi KANU holds the trigger of peace in Biafraland and by extension in Nigeria. 

    “The Supreme Court has the trigger in their hands. They will decide if that trigger will usher in peace or chaos. The eyes of Biafrans and the world are on the Nigeria Supreme Court Justices on the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

  • IPOB bans Independence Day anniversary in Southeast

    IPOB bans Independence Day anniversary in Southeast

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) has placed a ban on October 1st independence anniversary celebrations across the Southeast.

    IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Friday, urged residents of the Southeast to shun the Independence Day celebration in the region.

    Powerful claimed that the Nigerian state detests Igbos and has rejected all efforts to treat people of the Southeast equally. 

    He urged Governors and political leaders to shun the October 1st independence day celebration across the Southeast.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Sultan urge NLC, TUC to shelve proposed strike

    Parts of the statement read: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the Supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby call on Biafrans both home and in diaspora to shun participation in the Nigeria Independent day celebration on 1st October 2023.

    “Every sensible Biafra citizen must understand that Nigeria detests Biafrans, particularly Ndigbo. Nigeria has rejected all our efforts to be treated as equal citizens. Nigeria has marginalized Biafrans politically and economically. Since Nigeria has rejected us, we have also rejected Nigeria and her celebrations.

    “As Nigeria’s government plans to celebrate her flag Independence from Britain, we advise Eastern Region Governors and Political leaders to shun the October 1st Independence celebration in our region. Moreso, we advise Biafrans not to attend any Independence celebration anywhere within Biafra territory or outside of it.

    “Hence, IPOB has banned the Independence Day celebration and flying of Nigeria flags in any part of Biafraland on October 1st, 2023.”

  • NAF strikes IPOB/ESN hideouts in Anambra, Imo

    NAF strikes IPOB/ESN hideouts in Anambra, Imo

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, has destroyed several hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network in Anambra and Imo States.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the strikes were carried out on Tuesday at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra and Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.

    He said it was part of on efforts aimed at dislocating their nefarious activities while denying them the liberty to carry out their destructive acts and killing sprees on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.

    According to him, the strikes at both locations achieved their intended outcome and deemed effective.

    “Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra and other southeastern states.

    “The air strikes were authorised in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunitions.

    “The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received,” he said.

    Read Also: IPOB condemns military actions in Imo, Anambra communities

    Gabkwet said that other air strikes were also conducted, same day, in close coordination with surface forces at IPOB/ESN hideout camps in Aku Ihube in Imo after detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout.

    He said the air strikes were also authorised to take out the hideout where the targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success.

    According to him, efforts by the NAF and other security agencies at ensuring all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside, are safe and free to conduct their activities without fear or being threatened will continue.

    “While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements who’s only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • NAF airstrikes destroy IPOB/ESN hideouts in Imo

    NAF airstrikes destroy IPOB/ESN hideouts in Imo

    Airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, a military operation against criminals in the South East, have destroyed hideouts of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Imo State.

    The strikes were conducted at the criminals hideouts located at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State and Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, on Tuesday, September 26.

    Spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, announced this in a statement on Wednesday. 

    Gabkwet said: “Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected  plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra State and other States in Southeast Nigeria from their concealed bunkers/hideouts at Mother Valley Orsumughu, air strikes were authorized in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunitions. 

    “The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received.”

    He said similar airstrikes, in close coordination with ground troops, were conducted the same day  at IPOB/ESN hideouts in Aku Ihube In Imo State “after detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout.”

    “Consequently, air strikes were  authorized to strike the hideout. The targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success,” Gabkwet said.

    Read Also: NAF airstrike kills eight terrorists in Borno

    According to the spokesperson, the military and other security agencies would continue with their efforts at ensuring that all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside,  safe and free to conduct their activities without fear of any threat.

    ” While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements who’s only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry,” he said.

  • We stopped sit-at-home order in Southeast not military-IPOB

    We stopped sit-at-home order in Southeast not military-IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said that its leader Nnamdi Kanu stopped the infamous Monday sit-at-home order in the Southeast region.

    The pro-separatist group in a statement on Friday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful maintained that Nnamdi Kanu stopped the sit-at-home not the military as it claimed.

    While describing the military claim as laughable, he said the sit-at-home was stopped through letter written by Nnamdi Kanu calling an end to it ading that IPOB printed flyers, banners and posters informing the public to go about the normal businesses on Monday.

    Powerful said that the claims of the Nigeria military of being responsible for stopping the infamous sit-at-homes is laughable.

    He said: “Our attention has been drawn to the laughable and the disgraceful statement credited to the Nigeria security agencies particularly the military that they stopped Monday sit-at-home order in the Southeast region.

    Read Also: IPOB, APGA governorship candidate condemn killing

    “We therefore request the general public to ignore the military and other security agencies.

    “As much as the sit-at-home was an IPOB brain child and a powerful strategy of IPOB before the Nigeria security agencies hijacked and abused it, its ending was as a result of proactive actions and strategy by IPOB and our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu printing flyers, posters, and banners informing our people that sit-at-home is over and had been over.

    “The Nigeria military must stop telling lies that they stopped sit-at-home. Nigeria military has no capacity for stopping the infamous Monday sit-at-home in Biafraland,” he said.

    According to him, “the Nigeria securities especially military and the police aggravated the sit-at-home by their tacit support of the criminals enforcing the sit-at-home to blackmail IPOB and ESN.”

  • IPOB, APGA governorship candidate condemn killing

    IPOB, APGA governorship candidate condemn killing

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the killing of five security operatives at Oriagu community in Ehime Mbano Local Government of Imo State.

    In a statement yesterday, the pro-separatist group Media and Publicity Secretary,  Emma Powerful, said such reckless and shedding of blood was not needed.

    Read Also: Southwest pensioners demand apology from Obasanjo over verbal attack on Obas

    “The agitation championed by IPOB since 2012 has been peaceful until some people started sponsoring splinter groups, to blackmail IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “We urge the police to go after the criminals who murdered their colleagues and not after innocent villagers.”

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State, Sir Tony Ejiogu, also condemned the killing.

    In a statement yesterday, Ejiogu expressed sadness about the massacre.

  • IPOB condemns Imo killing, accuses security operatives of extorting motorists

    IPOB condemns Imo killing, accuses security operatives of extorting motorists

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the killing of five security operatives in the Oriagu community in Ehime Mbano local government area of Imo state.

    In a statement on Thursday, September 21, the pro-separatist Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful said such reckless and shedding of blood was not needed to achieve Biafra freedom.

    He said: “Such reckless attacks and shedding of blood are not needed to achieve Biafra freedom in our territory. The Biafra agitation championed by IPOB since 2012 has been totally peaceful until some interest started sponsoring splinter groups in order to blackmail IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “We in IPOB for years have been shouting about the evil plan of the government towards IPOB’s peaceful agitation which is simply demanding a referendum date for the Biafran people to determine their own fate as Indigenous people.

    According to him, the security agencies know those behind this latest attack on security personnel.

    He added: “They shouldn’t faine ignorance or claim to be surprised because they are working with the perpetrators of that unnecessary attack in order to blackmail IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This has been their modus operandi for the past couple of years, and particularly now that the case they instituted against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Supreme Court is approaching for consideration.

    Read Also: Six killed in security, IPOB/ESN gun duel

    “We, therefore, ask the Nigeria police to go after the criminals who murdered their colleagues and not after innocent villagers. More often than not, security agencies carry out revenge on ordinary citizens anytime armed criminals attack them. No villagers will attack policemen within their village. Therefore, no Ehime Mbano community should be invaded as a result of the attack and murder of the security officers.

    “IPOB doesn’t encourage people to murder or waste innocent people’s lives because lives are sacred and must be preserved and protected.  We encourage Nigeria security to use their intelligence prowess to fish out the perpetrators.”

    He, however, advised security agencies to dismantle illegal roadblocks in Southeast.

    Powerful noted: “Nigeria must dismantle illegal roadblocks that they have set up across the Southeast Region to be extorting from motorists. They have mounted roadblocks and illegal checkpoints but are still not able to stop criminals.”

  • Six killed in security, IPOB/ESN gun duel

    Six killed in security, IPOB/ESN gun duel

    Troops of the Nigerian Army and the police have killed six armed fighters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Abia and Enugu states.

    The fighters were killed in a fierce gun battle that ensued during a clearance operation at Igboro forest, located between Arochukwu and Ohafia local governments of Abia State and IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government of Enugu State.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who made this known in a statement, said the two incidents occurred yesterday.

    Read Also: Army, police kill six IPOB/ESN fighters in gun battle

    He said after winning the battle against IPOB/ESN at Igboro forest, the troops destroyed several of their hideous camps.

    He added: “Items recovered include one improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) gun mounted on a vehicle, one improvised 12 MBRL gun, one improvised 6 MBRL gun,  one AK 47 rifle, one Dane gun, six locally-made rocket launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five fragmental jackets, one Baofeng radio, military camouflage uniforms and assorted charms.”

  • Stop violence in South-East, CSO cautions IPOB

    Stop violence in South-East, CSO cautions IPOB

    Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has cautioned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to shun all forms of violence which has resulted in killings in the South – East.

    In a statement by the Convener, Save Nigeria Movement, Rev. Solomon Semaka the group noted that if IPOB was sincere in ending the needless insecurity in the South-East region, they should embrace peace and end all forms of hostilities.

    It urged the separatist group to stop threatening citizens and blackmailing the Federal Government with more violence and expecting that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu will be released for peace to reign in the South-East region.

    It admonished IPOB as well as other stakeholders to eschew violence and come to terms with the reality of the prosecution of their leader, Kanu.

    Read Also: Bauchi gets N2b Fed Govt’s palliatives

    The statement reads: “Our position remains the same, Nnamdi Kanu should remain in custody while far reaching consultations, investigations and the continuation of ongoing campaigns until a sustainable solution is found that will restore the peace and tranquility of the region. This is our position and that of average well meaning Easterners.

    “If IPOB is sincere in ending the needless insecurity in the South-East region, they should embrace peace and end all forms of hostilities. All that concerns us is for peace to return to the region and nothing more.”

    The group urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to caution the House Ad-hoc Committee Chairman on Insecurity Abia state, Obinna Aguocha, “over his unpatriotic calls for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu as it amounted to interference with court processes and against the already existing position of the House.”

    “It is rather pathetic that IPOB wants to blackmail legitimate stakeholders like Save Nigeria Movement because they do not represent their evil interests. Is IPOB saying Hon. Obinna Aguocha and his cohorts are the only stakeholder that has spoken since Nnamdi Kanu started the crisis in the region? How come it is only his unpatriotic utterance with the intent to undermine national security that they have deemed fit to heed?.

    “We appreciate the urgency for political survival but the lives of the people matter more, Hon Obinna Aguocha and his cohorts should not prioritise their political survival more than the stability of the region and the nation,” the statement added.

  • Many feared dead as gunmen attack IPOB protest in Enugu community

    Many feared dead as gunmen attack IPOB protest in Enugu community

    Many people were feared dead In Ugbakwu at Eha-Amufu, Enugu, on a Sunday afternoon after a confrontation between indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and some gunmen.

    The clash reportedly began around 5pm when some the guunmen disrupted an IPOB gathering at the Eha Market Square beside community secondary school Ugbakwu with the aim of dispersing the group and making arrests.

    The situation escalated as the gunmen allegedly overpowered the IPOB members and proceeded to target the leader, Obiajulu Ejimede.

    According to eyewitnesses, he was the head of the group who stood firm for freedom.

    In response, a heavily armed security team, including the Police, Army and DSS, arrived in several patrol vehicles and launched a crackdown on the scene.

    Gunfire and tear gas filled the area, spanning St. Joseph Catholic Church along the Old Mba Road.

    Eyewitnesses described the premises of St Joseph Catholic Church as chaotic, with reports of violence and bloodshed, as fleeing IPOB members and the gunmen were pursued. The violence disrupted the environment, causing serious death and injuries.

    The incident started on December, 2022 at Eha-amufu community, in Isi-Uzo local government where residents discovered the bodies of residents with bullet wounds after armed men attacked their community.

    This made the community to start pointing hands and accusing Obiajulu Ejimede who was the main leader of the gathering, for organising the protest.

    He was involved in the protest to champion the creation of Biafra Republic but there was misunderstanding when the gunmen ambushed the protesters causing the military and police to intervene.

    They later opened fire, killing several of them. He died from a gunshot wound.

    The community blamed Ejimede and claimed they had tried to warn him against organising the protest because they feared it might result in violence in their community, but he did not listen.

    Read Also: Alleged money laundering: Court denies El-Rufai’s ex-Chief of Staff bail

    Armed plain clothed men have also allegedly visited the community to trace members of his family after his dead body was found on 22nd December. They have also taken some young men for questioning and are yet to return them.

    A source from the community said many youths have fled the community, which has become a ghost of itself because the youths of the community now fear for their safety.

    Among some of the youths that are running for their lives are Ifeanyi Asogwa, Afamefuna Ude, Obiajulu Ejimede son named Emeka Emmanuel Ejimede, Uchenna Umeh and Azubuike Okereke and others.

    A leader of a community, Ogbuabor Samuel, also confirmed the attack. “Several people have been killed, at least we have recovered the bodies of ten people,” he said.

    “As I speak to you, we are combing bushes in search of those killed. I can’t tell now the exact number of people killed as we are still combing the bushes,” another source said.

    Enugu police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development.

    He said: “Sketchy report at my disposal shows that there was an attack, but the assailants were repelled by a joint Police and Army Team that is currently tracking them.”