Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is raising fresh tension in Eastern Nigeria, the battle ground of the undying agitation for a sovereign nation-state of Biafra.
IPOB, the arrowhead of the Biafra agitation galvanised by Nnamdi Kanu, on Sunday accused Igbo governors of scheming to incite Nigerian armed security forces for fresh bloodletting in the region.
The group that is accusing the governors of being against the newly launched security outfit – Eastern Security Network (ESN) -, has equally warned them (governors) of the consequences of their action.
While urging the governors not to work against ESN, IPOB in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, also warned the governors to desist from such act or be prepared to face catastrophic consequences resulting from it.
IPOB has equally warned local vigilantes in the South-East zone set up by the governors not to allow themselves to be used to carry out what it described as ‘’evil agenda’’ or have themselves to blame.
According to IPOB, both the governors and community leaders will be held responsible for any form of attack on any of its security personnel. It is therefore, advising the Nigerian security forces to stop dissipating energy towards stopping ESN, but rather channel their strength against Boko Haram, bandits and terrorists rampaging Northern Nigeria.
The group is maintaining that ESN was not a Biafran Army but a vigilante group set up to defend the people of the old Eastern region against terrorists and criminals responsible for the growing insecurity in the region.
“The game plan is to orchestrate crisis between the vigilante groups and ESN to pave the way for Nigeria soldiers to attack ESN personnel.
“We, therefore, wish to warn all local vigilantes in every state of Biafra who have been or may be contacted or are being recruited by the masterminds of this evil agenda through the traditional rulers and President General of any community or town in Biafraland to attack ESN operatives to have a rethink. Embarking on such unholy mission is suicidal.
“Anyone, vigilante group, community, traditional ruler or President General, political elite or anybody under any guise who will connive with the enemy to expose or attack ESN in their locality will live in eternal regret of such satanic mission. It’s not a threat but a promise.
“We want to make it clear that leaders of any community in Biafra land where any ESN personnel is attacked will pay dearly for such attack.
“We specifically warn Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State not to push us any further against the wall. He cannot sacrifice Biafran freedom on the altar of his imaginary presidential ambition. Umahi must retrace his steps now and not test our resolve to protect our land”, IPOB says
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner, Anambra State Command, John Abang, says he will not comment on the matter.
