The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has publicly rebuffed allegations made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who claimed that the group and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, were responsible for the deaths of over 30,000 people in the Southeast region. In a statement released by their Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB labeled Kalu’s comments as “false and irresponsible.”
IPOB asserted that they remain committed to non-violence and attribute the ongoing insecurity in the Southeast to broader political and security issues, rather than their activities. They pointed out that their members have faced arrests and security operations, further calling for an independent investigation into the violence that has plagued the region since 2015.
The statement criticized Kalu for misrepresenting IPOB’s role and demanded he provide evidence to back up his claims. IPOB contended that their agitation has always been conducted legally and maintained that they should not be held accountable for the violence and deaths occurring in the area.
The organization accused certain political figures of exploiting allegations against them for personal gain, cautioning that such comments could exacerbate tensions within the region. They reiterated their requests for due process in the ongoing legal matters concerning Kanu, alleging that political biases have hindered fair handling of his case.
