Tag: IPOB

Despite the sit-at-home order in the southeast by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Enugu State on Thursday, May 30, sat for the Mathematics exam.

The secessionist group had insisted that sit-at-home would be observed in the region on Thursday, as a way to honour those who died during the Civil War between 6 July 1967 and 15 January 1970.

But, our correspondent who monitored development in some parts of the state, observed that all the secondary schools, including private ones, in the state had their students sit for the exams without disturbance.

Read Also: IPOB sit-at-home: Go about your normal businesses, Enugu Govt. urges residents

At Akpugo High School, Akpugo, and Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Agbani in Nkanu West local government area of Enugu State, the exam started at 9.30 am with all registered students writing the examination.

The principal of the school, Egbo Martina Ifeyinwa, told our correspondent that there had been no challenge of any kind except the fact that some students who lived kilometres away, had to sleep within the village.

“They had to do that to enable them to meet up with the exam time. But, those who live nearby didn’t have any problem coming to the school for the exam”, she said.

The principal however lauded the vigilante operatives, otherwise known as the neighbourhood watch, for patrolling around the school to check on them.

Also, the principal of Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Agbani, Agbo Chimobi C., principal, commended the state for ensuring that schools in the rural areas were not left at the mercy of the sit-at-home enforcers.

Security operatives in Anambra have killed an alleged member of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and injured three others trying to enforce sit-at-home in the State.

The incident happened at Oba flyover, in Idemili South local government area. 

However, despite assurances of police and security forces to residents, residents of Anambra stayed indoors on Thursday. 

The Nation observed that every road in the state is empty from Awka to Onitsha and Nnewi.

Even construction workers at Ekwulobia, engaged by Governor  Chukwuma Soludo for the flyover that links Oko, Igboukwu and Amawbia abandoned the sites.

No market in Anambra opened for business, including shops and garages. 

Anambra Police Command, in a statement by the spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, said the IPOB members were intercepted while operating on motorbike before they opened fire

During the encounter, one miscreant was apprehended,l while the other three managed to evade capture, sustaining bullet injuries in the process

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) an ultimatum to improve its electricity supply in the Southeast or face the consequences.

In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB accused EEDC of “defrauding her consumers with exorbitant electricity bills without supplying the power.

“The company has refused to give her consumers prepaid electricity meters but keeps giving illegal estimated bills.

“In many communities in the Southeast, EEDC gives community bills running in hundreds of thousands of Naira. Whether the light was provided or not, any village that didn’t pay the illegal estimated bills will have the irregular light supply disconnected.”

IPOB also alleged that EEDC dismantled some community transformers for repairs and maintenance but failed to return them for years, leaving the communities in darkness.

“EEDC has cupped full, and we are going to show them that the people are the owners of the region, and they are reaping Ndigbo off with abysmal power supply and exorbitant bills,” the statement said. “How can our people be paying for lights they did not consume? How wicked is EEDC and its management?”

IPOB called on EEDC to provide adequate electricity supply or exit the Southeast region, warning that it would “chase EEDC out” if the company failed to meet its demands.

Read Also: Army kills IPOB bomb expert in Imo

“We will welcome any company that will invest in power generation and distribution to quicken the industrialization and development of the Southeast,” the statement said. “But if they continue with the abysmal light supply in the Southeast, IPOB will have no option than to shut down EEDC offices in the Southeast in the shortest possible time.”

The statement also criticised Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EEDC to supply 24 hours of light in Anambra State, which IPOB alleged had not been fulfilled despite the payment of over N100 billion.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared Thursday May 30 as sit-at-home day in South East to honour those who fought in the civil war.

A statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, announced: “The sit-at-home is an annual event held on May 30th to remember the men and women who died during the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970.

“IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi OkwuChukwu Kanu, urged all Biafrans, friends of Biafra, and residents in Biafra Land to observe the sit-at-home and reflect on the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes.

Read Also: I survived fighting Boko-Haram, Niger Delta militants, IPOB – Anambra CP

“All schools, government offices, private offices, banks, transport unions, market unions, and private individuals are expected to shut down operations on May 30th, except for medical personnel and emergency workers.”

IPOB also called on Christians and traditional worshipers to use the day to pray for the fallen heroes and for Biafra’s independence from Nigeria.

The group warned residents to avoid loitering and stay indoors from 6 am to 6 pm to avoid any confrontation with security forces.

“IPOB members in diaspora are encouraged to organize peaceful rallies and seminars to raise awareness about the Biafran struggle and the ongoing genocide against the Biafran people.

By honoring the heroes and heroines of the Biafran struggle, IPOB hopes to keep their memory alive and continue the fight for Biafra’s freedom and independence, ” the statement added. 

• Accuses security agencies of masterminding attack

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied accusations by the Nigerian Army that it was responsible for the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center in Imo State on April 5, 2021.

In a statement on Friday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, described the accusation as “dubiosity” and “media blackmail” by the Army authorities.

“IPOB is not responsible for the Owerri jailbreak,”  he maintained.

Comrade Powerful stated. “The security agencies, especially the army, masterminded the attack to free criminals who have been used to create insecurity in the land of Biafra, particularly in Imo State, just to blackmail IPOB.”

IPOB claimed that the attack was masterminded by the Nigerian security forces, citing the proximity of the correctional centre to several security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Command headquarters, the State CID, six police stations, the Government House, DSS office, Naval Command, and Military base at Obinze.

Read Also: Ohanaeze warns against misinformation over IPOB leader

The separatist group questioned why the surrounding security forces did not respond to the distressed calls during the attack, which lasted for nearly four hours without resistance or casualty.

“Where were all the surrounding security forces within Owerri when the attack was going on and numerous gunshots were heard?” Comrade Powerful asked. “Who then ordered these security forces not to respond to the distressed calls during the attack which lasted nearly four hours? What kind of jailbreak can last four hours without confrontation from any of the avalanche of Security Forces in and around Owerri municipal if not coordinated by the Government itself?”

IPOB also claimed that the Nigerian government has refused to open an investigation into the attack for over three years, and only recently added the 2021 Owerri jailbreak to the list of its blackmailing strategies against IPOB in 2024.

“The Nigerian Army should respect their institution and focus on confronting the insurmountable insecurity challenges in Nigeria instead of being a tool for government propaganda,” he said.

Emmanuel, the younger brother of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Emmanuel, has written an open letter to the five Southeast Governors over his brother’s continued detention.

He said it was unfortunate that under the watch of the Governors, his brother has been wrongfully held against his will and his fundamental human rights have been violated.

Emmanuel said, as a concerned family member, he strongly condemned the unlawful detention of his brother and the blatant violation of his rights.

He said it was the duty of the Governors to ensure the protection of every individual’s civil liberties, including that of Kanu, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations; failure which Biafra land will hold them accountable should anything happen to the IPOB leader.

“I am writing this letter with utmost urgency and deep concern regarding the unlawful and unjust detention of my brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“In recent events, it has become abundantly clear my brother, a law-abiding citizen and a prisoner of conscience, has been wrongfully held against his will and his fundamental human rights have been violated under your watch.

“As a concerned family member, I implore you to rectify this grave injustice without delay.

“Kanu is a man of impeccable character and a strong advocate for justice, freedom, and equality. He has consistently stood up for the righteous causes in our society, challenging the status quo and working tirelessly to bring about positive change.

“It is truly disheartening to witness his unwavering commitment to safeguarding human rights being met with such callousness and disregard for basic principles of justice.

“The details surrounding my brother’s arrest and subsequent detention are deeply troubling and indicative of a systemic failure within our justice system.

“The charges brought against him are baseless and appear to be nothing more than an attempt to silence his voice and undermine his campaign for social justice. His detention is politically motivated, solely aimed at suppressing his activism and preventing him from continuing his valuable contribution to our society.

“As a concerned family member, I strongly condemn the unlawful detention of my brother and the blatant violation of his rights. It is your duty as governor to ensure the protection of every individual’s civil liberties, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations. Your obligation to uphold the principles of justice and fairness should guide your actions in every decision made.

Read Also: IPOB denies calling for protests in Southeast

“I demand you take immediate and decisive action to secure the release of my brother. I call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention, holding accountable those responsible for these egregious violations.

“Furthermore, I urge you to ensure all charges against him are dropped, as they lack any substantiated evidence.

“Kanu is gravely ill and dying slowly. Biafra land will hold you all accountable should anything happen to him,” he said in the letter.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vehemently denied calling for protests in any part of the Southeast.

In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful on Monday, clarified that despite rumors of protests, they remain resolute in their pursuit of Biafra’s independence and are not targeting any governor.

“IPOB did not call for protest in any part of the Southeast. Nevertheless, whether rumors of protest or not, we won’t succumb to any blackmail or threat.

Read Also: Army raids IPOB camp, exhumes three corpses in Imo

“IPOB is focused on the restoration of Biafra Independence as a sovereign nation and is not against or after any governor and we are not interested in their political blackmail and propaganda.”

The group expressed disappointment in the actions of Enugu Governor Peter Mba, accusing him of attempting to destroy the Indigenous people of biafra in the state.

They refuted the Governor’s claims linking individuals like Mazi Sunday Obodo and others to the movement, emphasizing that these individuals are not affiliated with IPOB.