By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected claims that it is responsible for 776 deaths and significant economic losses across South-East Nigeria.
The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, issued a statement refuting a recent report by SBM Intelligence that attributed widespread violence and economic disruption in the region to IPOB activities.
Describing the report as misleading and lacking credible evidence, IPOB emphasized that it officially cancelled its Monday sit-at-home directive in 2021. It also noted that its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had previously disassociated the organization from any individuals or groups enforcing the directive outside of official channels.
“Any violence or disruptions linked to sit-at-home actions should not be attributed to IPOB,” the statement said. “Our movement does not condone violence or actions that harm public welfare.”
IPOB called on the authors of the report to present verifiable evidence and to pursue their claims through appropriate legal procedures. The group also urged independent observers to scrutinize the allegations before drawing conclusions.
Additionally, IPOB questioned the timing of the report’s release, which comes just days before the annual Biafra Heroes Day on May 30 — a date commemorating those who died in the Nigerian Civil War.
“This period holds deep emotional and historical significance for our people,” the statement said. “We expect that reporting during this time will be handled with fairness and respect.”
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