IPOB Issues Festive Message To Ndigbo As Christmas Approaches
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Igbos to return home for the Christmas celebrations, assuring them of a secure and peaceful environment under the watchful protection of its Eastern Security Network (ESN). The appeal was made through a statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.
In the statement, IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and security in the South East, emphasizing the region’s historical serenity and shared interests in economic growth and development. Powerful assured Igbos returning home for the festive season that ESN operatives would provide a peaceful atmosphere throughout the holidays.
“We also encourage our people who wish to return home to enjoy the Christmas season as usual, with the assurance that ESN operatives will provide a peaceful atmosphere during the festive period,” Powerful said.
The group urged all Igbos to contribute to maintaining this harmony, viewing it as essential to the region’s socio-economic advancement. IPOB also criticized the Nigerian government for what it described as the militarization of the South East, claiming that security forces have exacerbated insecurity under the pretext of maintaining order.
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“We need peace to thrive as a strategic economic hub in Africa. Every Igbo man and woman must work towards peace and security in Alaigbo,” the statement read, emphasizing the region’s economic potential.
In addition, IPOB encouraged Igbos to invest in the South East, urging them to bring their businesses and investments back home to create job opportunities for the youth and accelerate regional development. The group reassured potential investors that ESN operatives would actively work to eliminate criminal activity, particularly during the festive season.
Addressing criminal elements, IPOB warned them to stay away from the South East, promising that both ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers would intensify efforts to root out lawlessness and maintain order.
The statement also criticized the Nigerian government for allegedly sponsoring insecurity as an excuse to militarize the region. IPOB called for the removal of “illegal” security checkpoints manned by police, military, and other security operatives, claiming these checkpoints had become hotspots for extortion, intimidation, and harassment of travelers.
Alaigbo can’t be allowed to be in disarray while other regions seem to enjoy peace and security, even if they are not exactly peaceful. The Nigerian security forces’ presence in our region makes us vulnerable and creates more insecurity,” the group stated.
IPOB reiterated its commitment to providing security for the land of Biafra and emphasized the importance of protecting investments. “IPOB has called on Ndigbo to return their investments home to encourage more development and employment opportunities for South-East youths,” the statement read.
To strengthen security, IPOB highlighted the crucial role of ESN operatives in safeguarding forests and bushes across the South East, preventing criminals from using them as hideouts. The group urged residents to reach out to ESN operatives for support through designated security contact lines.
