The Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide has disassociated itself from the claims made by Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), regarding a planned reprisal on the Nigerian Army, News About Nigeria reports.
This disassociation comes in the wake of a communal clash between Bomadi and Okuoma communities in Delta State, resulting in the death of at least 15 military personnel from the 181 Amphibious Battalion who were responding to a distress call on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Although there were initial reports suggesting a reprisal attack by the military, the Army has debunked such claims, stating that 20 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Ekpa is among the 96 suspects declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters for terrorism.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, the INC clarified its stance, denouncing Ekpa’s publication on social media that threatened reprisals against the Army and declared a sit-at-home protest in Delta and Bayelsa states.
The statement issued by the INC reads in part: “The INC had repeatedly condemned in strong terms the attack on the military and the killing of 17 soldiers of the Nigerian army at Okuama community in Delta State. The INC also described the act as very barbaric, sad, and unfortunate and called for the perpetrators of the heinous act to be brought to book.”
Furthermore, the INC noted that the planned actions of IPOB are not in the interest of the Ijaw nation.
The organisation urged all Ijaw sons and daughters to remain calm and vigilant, while also calling on the Federal Government and the general public to take note of their stance.
