Deployment of security personnel to Onitsha, ploy to instigate violence – IPoB 

Deployment of security personnel to Onitsha, ploy to instigate violence – IPoB

By Steve Oko

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has faulted the deployment of security forces to Onitsha following the order by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, to lock down markets in the commercial city as punishment for traders for observing Monday sit-at-home order declared by IPOB.

Condemning the action of the Governor, IPoB said deployment of military and police to a peaceful City was a ploy to instigate violence and crisis in South East.

The pro-Biafra movement, in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, knocked Gov. Soludo, accusing him of daring innocent traders.

“IPoB strongly condemns the barbaric and unwarranted action of Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, who has unleashed  military and police personnel on innocent traders and protesters in Onitsha.

IPoB alleged that live bullets were used against protesting traders in Onitsha.

“In a blatant violation of human rights and democratic principles, these forces have opened live fire on peaceful demonstrators exercising their right to protest against the governor’s draconian sit-at-home enforcement orders.

“This tragic incident is a stark reminder of how Nigerian authorities often initiate cycles of violence only to later falsely attribute them to IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).”

IPoB called on human rights organisations and the international community to wade in, and to hold the Governor accountable for any breach of of public peace in Onitsha.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, human rights organizations, and the international community to immediately caution Governor Soludo and warn the Nigerian police and army to desist from firing live ammunition into crowds of unarmed civilians.

” Such provocative tactics not only endanger lives but also exacerbate the very insecurity they claim to combat. Governor Soludo, by allowing himself to be manipulated as a tool in the hands of oppressors, has stained his hands with the blood of his own people.

“This is not governance; it is state-sponsored terrorism designed to undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Biafran people.”

IPoB restated its commitment to peace  and a negotiated dialogue for a referendum.

“IPOB remains committed to peace and a negotiated settlement that culminates in a democratic referendum on self-determination—the very cause for which our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been unjustly imprisoned.

“We urge all protesters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and resolute in the face of provocation. Violence is not our path; it is the weapon of those who fear the truth and the will of the people.”

IPoB claimed that the deployment of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to serve his jail sentence at Sokoto prison was prophetic, and a step needed for Biafran freedom.

“The liberation of Biafra is nearer than ever, as prophesied by our indomitable leader. In his words: “If I have to go to Sokoto, the seat of the Caliphate, to set Biafra free from our bondage, then I shall do so.

“Governor Soludo’s reckless actions have only ignited the fire that will propel us inexorably toward the promised land of Biafra—a sovereign nation where justice, equity, and prosperity reign”, IPoB said.

It warned that “any further aggression against peaceful Biafrans will only hasten the inevitable collapse of the oppressive structures holding our people captive.”

” The world is watching, and history will judge those who choose violence over dialogue”, the statement concluded.