PeacePro Urges IPOB to Reflect on 1970 Biafra Surrender and Choose Dialogue
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has appealed to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to lay down their weapons and reconsider their approach to resolving the Biafran issue, drawing lessons from the historical surrender of Biafra to the Nigerian government on January 13, 1970. This event marked the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the Biafra surrender, PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, highlighted the significance of upholding the peace agreement, which emphasized reconciliation and national unity. He noted that IPOB’s current violent tactics are in stark contrast to the peaceful resolution adopted by the Biafran leadership over five decades ago.
Hamzat reminded IPOB of the Federal Government’s “No Victor, No Vanquished” declaration, which sought to promote healing and reintegration in the post-war era. He called for a shift from conflict to dialogue, urging the group to abandon violence in favor of peaceful negotiation.
“The ongoing violence pursued by IPOB dishonors the memory of those who chose peace to prevent further bloodshed in the Southeast during the Civil War,” PeacePro stated. The organization also criticized the demand for the unconditional release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu without a commitment to peace, deeming it a misguided stance that would not contribute to long-term stability.
“True peace requires acknowledgment of past mistakes and a commitment to change. IPOB’s violent actions have claimed countless lives and disrupted the Southeast’s economy,” PeacePro emphasized.
The organization called on IPOB to embrace non-violent advocacy and constructive dialogue as the foundation for sustainable peace, in line with democratic values and the sanctity of human life. Hamzat further noted that despite divisions within IPOB and internal rivalries, both factions must take collective responsibility for the ongoing crisis in the Southeast, including the actions of unknown gunmen, and collaborate with the federal government to address insecurity in the region.
PeacePro also urged the Federal Government to continue fostering inclusive dialogue, justice, and fairness to address grievances within the broader context of national unity.
As Nigeria reflects on the lessons of its Civil War, PeacePro reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, demilitarization, and reconciliation across the nation, emphasizing that dialogue, not violence, is the key to building a prosperous, united country.
