The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora to return home for the Christmas festivities, assuring them of adequate security across the South-East during this period. The pro-Biafran group claimed that the South-East remains Nigeria’s “most tranquil” zone and noted improvements in security conditions despite what it characterized as “sponsored instability” over the past four years.
In a statement on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful asked residents and returnees to disregard what he deemed propaganda against IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). According to him, both groups, supported by the people, have played key roles in maintaining security in the region.
Powerful emphasized that the South-East had remained largely peaceful due to the inherently peaceful nature of the Ndigbo people, urging them to invest in their homeland. He stated, “The worldwide family and movement of the IPOB, expertly guided by our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urges Ndigbo in Nigeria and abroad who plan to come home for the Christmas festivities to do so, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security throughout the entire South-East region.”
IPOB dismissed social media reports about an alleged kidnapping of passengers on the Owerri–Aba Expressway, claiming the footage circulated was “old” and “false.” They noted that ESN operations are conducted discreetly and urged the public not to expect updates on social media, adding that ESN has no official online accounts.
Powerful also accused the Federal Government and certain Igbo politicians of trying unsuccessfully to disrupt IPOB and ESN, reaffirming that the Biafra restoration movement remains “a sacred initiative.” The group encouraged Ndigbo to return home in large numbers for Christmas and invest in the region, urging them not to let fear or narratives of insecurity dissuade them from visiting.
