Igbo sons and daughters from the South east region living all over the world are advised by the IPOB to come home to celebrate Christmas and New Year as the Biafra freedom agitators promises maximum security for all citizens in the zone throughout the yuletide and after
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged Ndigbo to return home in large numbers for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, assuring them of adequate security during the festive period.
The IPOB also dismissed a viral video alleging the kidnap of passengers at Ngor-Okpala along the Owerri-Aba Express Road. The group described the viral video as an old clip that is being maliciously circulated by “enemies of Ndigbo” to tarnish the image of the region.
A statement issued by the IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and its volunteers would guarantee the safety and security of all and sundry across the South east throughout the festive season.
The freedom agitators maintained that the region remained one of the most peaceful parts of the country despite what IPOB called “sponsored instability.” According to the group, security in the South east has significantly improved over the last four years. It added that government-backed elements who allegedly orchestrated insecurity to blackmail IPOB and ESN have lost momentum.
According to the IPOB statement, “The South east remains secure because Ndigbo are inherently peaceful. Ignore exaggerated media portrayals of insecurity in the region”.
While acknowledging isolated incidents caused by nationwide insecurity, IPOB insisted that ESN and the local communities have helped maintain relative calm.
IPOB also debunked the recent kidnap report at Ngor-Okpala, insisting that there was no such incident. “The footage circulating online is an old video that resurfaced on social media,” it said, adding that many ESN operations were conducted discreetly without online publicity. It reiterated that ESN has no social media accounts. The group said the stability in the region is evidence that “lions are guarding the land,” and challenged those claiming ESN has been dismantled to “ask why terrorists avoid the East”. It accused the Federal Government and some Igbo politicians of making failed attempts to weaken IPOB and ESN. Reaffirming its commitment to its cause, IPOB described Biafra restoration as a “sacred mandate that cannot be extinguished.” It encouraged Ndigbo to return home for Christmas in large numbers and invest in the region. “Do not allow anyone or the government to use fear to keep you away from Biafra land,” the group said wishing travelers a safe and joyful festive season.
