IPOB Condemns Massacre of 18 in Imo, Blames Government Elements for Violence
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vehemently distanced itself from the recent killings in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, where at least 18 individuals were killed by gunmen. The group condemned the massacre, describing it as a barbaric act, and emphasized that neither IPOB nor its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were involved.
In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group expressed its condolences to the families of the victims. “We mourn the loss of those innocent lives. IPOB remains steadfast in its commitment to combat criminality and destabilizing forces aimed at blackmailing IPOB and ESN,” Powerful stated.
The attacks, which took place on Sunday, December 29, 2024, occurred across multiple communities in Orsu Local Government Area, including Umukabia, Eziawa, Ihittenasa, Umuhu, Amaoku, and Amaebe. The former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who hails from Orsu, raised awareness about the incident on social media.
IPOB highlighted a viral video, which featured a voiceover blaming a group named Umuoma for the attack in Orsuihiteukwa community in Orsu. The group strongly rejected these accusations, pointing out that the video was part of a government-backed smear campaign against IPOB and ESN. According to Powerful, the group behind the video sought to discredit ESN and falsely accuse them of not intervening to protect the community.
“The so-called ‘Umuoma’ group is no different from the Biafra Liberation Army, under the control of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), led by the notorious commander Butuzo,” said Powerful. He further emphasized that these groups, which have been terrorizing communities, are not connected to IPOB or ESN, but are instead supported by the Nigerian government and certain Eastern Nigerian politicians.
Powerful claimed that these criminal gangs have been recruited, funded, and used by the government to tarnish the image of IPOB and ESN. He accused the government of complicity in the violence, suggesting that the violence primarily occurring in Imo State and parts of neighboring Anambra State was part of a strategy to destabilize the region and suppress the Biafra independence movement.
“The Nigerian government must stop blaming IPOB and ESN for the violence,” Powerful stressed. “IPOB is committed to a peaceful, non-violent struggle for Biafra’s independence, and we reject any acts of violence against the Igbo people.”
IPOB called for accountability from the Nigerian government and Imo State leadership, urging them to cease using state and non-state actors to perpetuate violence against innocent civilians in their attempt to undermine Biafra’s peaceful aspirations. The group vowed that those responsible for the killings would eventually face justice.
The statement concluded with a call for an end to the ongoing bloodshed, reaffirming that IPOB and ESN would continue to fight for the peaceful liberation of Biafra through lawful and n
on-violent means.
