The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has refuted claims that its members or the Eastern Security Network (ESN) are behind recent attacks on security personnel in the Southeast.
News About Nigeria reports that this was disclosed in a statement issued by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful.
The group said that the ESN was formed to protect the region from terrorists disguising themselves as herdsmen, not to confront Nigerian security forces.
IPOB clarified that the ESN’s primary objective is to safeguard the Southeast region and its people, and they have adhered to this mandate since its inception in December 2020.
The group attributed the recent violence in the region to the same terrorists they were formed to combat, accusing them of targeting both security personnel and innocent communities across Nigeria.
IPOB accused the federal government of implicitly supporting these criminals by failing to hold them accountable for their actions.
The group denied involvement in recent violent incidents, suggesting that these are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to tarnish IPOB’s reputation.
IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to non-violent and peaceful means, stating that if it ever decided to take up arms, it would be publicly known.
The group emphasised that both IPOB and ESN are dedicated to defending the Biafran people against those who seek to harm them and vowed to continue their fight for Biafran sovereignty.
“IPOB does not have an army. We are simply a freedom-fighting movement. IPOB and ESN are fighting for the good of the Biafran people and shall see to the pitiable end of those recruited to fight against the good of our people and the restoration of the Biafran Sovereignty,” the statement added.
