Scapegoats or Culprits? IPOB Denies Ties to Devastating Southeast Violence, Losses

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied any involvement in the reported 776 deaths and significant economic losses in Nigeria’s South-East region.

The group made this known in response to a recent SBM Intelligence report, which attributed the fatalities and economic downturn in the region to IPOB’s activities.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the proscribed separatist group rejected the report’s claims, labeling them as false, misleading, and lacking credible evidence.

IPOB clarified that it had officially revoked its Monday sit-at-home directive in 2021, adding that its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had also publicly disowned any individuals or factions enforcing such orders without the group’s mandate.

“Any violent incident linked to sit-at-home enforcement should not be automatically ascribed to IPOB,” the statement emphasized. “We have consistently stated that we oppose all forms of violence or interference with public order.”

The group insisted that no concrete proof had been provided to implicate it in the alleged events outlined in the report.

IPOB further called for independent investigations and urged the report’s authors to present their claims through appropriate legal frameworks.

It also expressed concern over the timing of the report’s release, just days ahead of Biafra Heroes Day, observed on May 30 to honour those who died in the Nigerian Civil War.

“This is a solemn time for our members and supporters. We urge that any dialogue or publication during this period be approached with fairness and sensitivity,” the statement added.