Breaking News: IPOB Disassociates Itself from Illegal SIT-AT-HOME Order, Says Killings in South East are Sponsored

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from the illegal sit-at-home order and condemned the ongoing killings in the South East region of Nigeria. The group called for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in order to address the activities of criminals responsible for the violence and disruptions in the area.

Speaking through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB emphasized that it had no connection with Simon Ekpa and his group, whom they accused of enforcing the sit-at-home order through criminal means. The group clarified that Ekpa and his followers were not members of IPOB and did not represent Nnamdi Kanu. They also pointed out that IPOB had previously disassociated itself from Ekpa's activities, as evidenced by a recent demonstration held by IPOB members in Finland.

IPOB maintained its commitment to peaceful agitation and denied responsibility for the sit-at-home orders and enforcement that have resulted in the halt of economic and social activities in the region. The group accused the Nigerian Army and the government of using the violent enforcement of the sit-at-home orders as a means to blackmail IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu. They argued that the government's intent was to portray the peaceful IPOB movement as a violent group.

The statement highlighted that the recent surge in criminal activities in the East, including the activities of unknown gunmen, were sponsored by the Nigerian government. IPOB questioned the lack of investigation and prosecution of the arrested gunmen and alleged that the government was using these incidents to link them to IPOB. They further alleged that the violent enforcement of the sit-at-home order was part of a preconceived agenda to undermine Nnamdi Kanu's Supreme Court case in September.

IPOB criticized General Lagbaja Taoreed, the Army chief, and accused him of ethnic bias against the Igbo people. They called on the government not to repeat the mistakes of the past and avoid sponsoring crises in the East to justify military interventions. IPOB asserted that the government's actions were aimed at destroying the group's presence in Igbo land but declared that they would not be deceived easily.

While IPOB stated its opposition to military interventions in the region, they clarified that they supported the arrest of criminals and enforcers of the sit-at-home order if done within the appropriate legal framework. The group warned against the extrajudicial arrest, detention, and killing of innocent Igbo youths, mothers, fathers, and IPOB members by the Nigerian military. They urged the military to exercise professionalism and not allow ethnic hatred and biases to cloud their judgment.

IPOB reiterated its commitment to protecting the Southeast region, stating that the promoters of insecurity were not members of IPOB but sponsored agents and infiltrators seeking to derail the Biafra restoration project. The group emphasized its determination to continue the struggle for Biafra's restoration and highlighted the efforts of their security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in fighting against Fulani rapists and kidnappers in the region.

In conclusion, IPOB called for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, as directed by the Nigerian Appeal Court, stating that his release would bring an end to the criminal activities associated with his detention.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to respond to these latest claims and statements made by IPOB. The situation in the South East remains tense as security concerns persist and the calls for Nnamdi Kanu's release continue. GUNP.