From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned Biafra agitators and non-state actors to desist from fomenting trouble in the guise of fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention.
Spokesperson of the group, Emma Powerful, in a statement said IPOB has gathered from intelligent reports, especially from recent happenings, that some criminal elements were plotting to disrupt the existing peace in the region to distract Kanu’s trial.
He also added that it would no longer tolerate sit-at-home directives from any group or individuals.
Part of the statement read: “The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the supreme command of our leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby issues a stern and unequivocal public warning to all persons, groups or individuals, whether self-acclaimed commanders, agitators, or enforcers who are, directly or indirectly, attempting to exploit our just cause to foment violence, commit atrocities or destabilise our homeland under any guise.
“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 killings 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 both 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 Onyendu 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, 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.
“Anybody enforcing sit-at-home orders without IPOB authorisation is not one of us; anybody who abducts or kills innocent civilians, security agents or traditional rulers is not one of us and anybody intimidating traders, commuters or students in the name of Biafra is a saboteur, not a patriot.
“We have also taken note of the state-induced violence and black operations designed to implicate IPOB, especially in areas where the government’s agents stage attacks or deploy counter-insurgency forces to terrorise civilians.
“These tactics have been used repeatedly to demonise our movement and justify the continued detention of Kanu in defiance of court orders and international law.
“We must not fall for these traps. We must remain vigilant, focused and grounded in truth. IPOB was established to protect our people, not to endanger them. The oath we swore is to defend Biafra land and its people, not to destroy lives or disrupt economic activities.
“Let this message echo in every village, town and diaspora unit that IPOB is a disciplined movement. We do not kill. We do not kidnap. We do not burn our communities. We do not operate in secrecy. We do not compel obedience through terror.
“Those perpetrating violence in our name are either government operatives in disguise or misguided elements who will be exposed, disowned and decisively dealt with.
“This is a critical moment in our journey to freedom. We urge all IPOB family members, supporters and well-meaning Biafrans to remain peaceful, law-abiding and unwavering in their loyalty to Kanu. Let us not sabotage our own struggle by allowing criminals and enemies to infiltrate our ranks.
“Any act of violence from this point forward will be treated as a betrayal of Kanu and a direct sabotage of the Biafra cause.”