The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have issued a strong statement, pushing back against what they call baseless attempts to connect their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the group’s peaceful self-determination movement with the disruptive actions of Simon Ekpa. The organization emphasized that Kanu’s prolonged detention has created a power vacuum, which opportunistic individuals have exploited to sow chaos.
In a statement released on Sunday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group praised Chief Martin Onovo for his clear distinction between Kanu’s non-violent approach and the violent activities carried out by Ekpa’s faction. The statement, which was exclusively obtained by Zoyols Blog, reiterated that IPOB remains a peaceful movement committed to its core principles of non-violence.
IPOB contends that linking their cause to unrelated acts of violence is a deliberate misrepresentation. The organization highlighted its global presence and its consistent adherence to peaceful methods, urging the international community, human rights organizations, and democratic governments to take note of their position.
Furthermore, IPOB called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stressing the importance of respecting court orders and due legal processes. The group believes that resolving Kanu’s situation would not only help ease tensions in the South-East but also eliminate the opportunity for actors to worsen the current instability.
Finally, the organization appealed to authorities to conduct independent investigations into the violent incidents plaguing the region, warning against attributing such acts to IPOB without irrefutable evidence. The statement concluded with a plea for dialogue and a renewed commitment to addressing grievances through peaceful, lawful means.
