By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
Leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has warned those causing trouble in the South-East in the name of Biafra agitation to stop the ugly act or incur the wrath of the law.
IPOB warned that anyone, groups or individuals, whether self-acclaimed commanders, agitators or enforcers directly or indirectly attempting to exploit the agitation for self determination to foment violence, commit atrocities or destabilise the homeland under any guise would be severely dealt with.
A statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, warned that there was no room for any form of criminality and violence in Igbo land.
The statement reads in part: “In recent weeks, we have observed with grave concern, a disturbing escalation of insecurity in parts of the South East and South South, including kidnappings in Enugu and Imo States, gruesome killing of civilians and security agents in Abia and Anambra States and the indiscriminate extortion of traders and commuters in Ebonyi State.
“These heinous acts, carried out by state and non-state actors, are completely antithetical to the ideals and philosophy of IPOB.
“Let it be known to all and sundry that neither Mazi Nnamdi Kanu nor the leadership structure of IPOB, from the Directorate of State, DOS, to the last unit coordinator across the globe, has sanctioned any form of disturbance, violence or criminal operation in Biafra land.
“Our leader has consistently called for total calm, restraint and strategic focus as we approach the decisive conclusion of his ongoing legal battle.
“We reiterate in the clearest terms possible that IPOB is not, and has never been, a violent organisation. Our strategy for the peaceful and lawful restoration of Biafra is anchored on legal instruments, diplomatic engagement, referenda and mass mobilisation and not bloodshed, criminality or coercion.
“Those who carry out kidnappings, assassinations, arson or extortion in the name of Biafra are not part of IPOB.
“They are enemies of our people, enemies of the Biafra restoration project. Let no criminal hide behind the revered name of IPOB to commit evil. Let no cultist, bandit, political thug or state-sponsored killer parade as a freedom fighter. IPOB has zero tolerance for criminality”.
