IPOB Counsel says Controversial December Declaration a Hoax

IPOB Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor calls for peace and unity in the Southeast, urging the region to ignore or consider controversial December Biafra Republic declaration as a hoax. Ejiofor’s statement comes on the heels of the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a figurehead of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, who has been vocal about the secessionist agenda. Addressing the growing unrest in the region, Ejiofor asserted that the claims surrounding the December declaration would ultimately prove baseless and ineffective.  He emphasized that time would reveal the truth about these so-called plans for Biafra’s independence, predicting that December would pass without any significant incident. Ejiofor, who has long criticized those behind the Biafra movement’s radical claims, pointed to previous instances where exaggerated reports about military support, including fighter jets and warships, were used to rally support for the cause.  He warned that such tactics are nothing but attempts at self-promotion by individuals driven by deceit and fraud. ALSO READ: NIGERIA’S ECONOMY SEE ROBUST GROWTH IN Q3, 2024 The IPOB lawyer also reflected on the wider political landscape, acknowledging the marginalization of the Igbo people within Nigeria’s political framework.  However, he strongly denounced the use of violence, fraud, and criminal actions as means to secure freedom, emphasizing that true liberation can only be achieved through nonviolent, legitimate efforts. In his statement, Ejiofor urged the people of the Southeast to focus on restoring peace in the region, suggesting that it was time for reflection and reconciliation.  He also stressed the importance of preserving Igbo heritage while acknowledging past wrongs and seeking to address them in a way that honors the community’s values. Ejiofor concluded by calling for a collective effort to restore calm and focus on sustainable progress rather than being swayed by individuals pushing divisive and unrealistic ideals.

Soludo Warns Traders Over Monday Market Closures

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to traders in Onitsha’s Main Market regarding the continued closure of shops on Mondays due to the sit-at-home directive.  Soludo expressed dissatisfaction with the number of locked shops, stating that any business failing to open on Mondays would be penalized. The governor gave the warning during a visit to the market. The sit-at-home practice, originally called by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021, has significantly affected business operations in the South East.  Despite the suspension of the order, fear of enforcement has led to continued closures.  Soludo emphasized that the ongoing shutdowns were damaging the local economy and warned that shops could be sealed for up to a month if they failed to comply.  He also promised adequate security to support traders in resuming full commercial activities.

Again, troops destroy more IPOB/ESN camps in Anambra, Imo

Again, troops destroy more IPOB/ESN camps in Anambra, Imo

A combined troop of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, sister Services, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies have successfully raided hideouts and training camps belonging to the IPOB/ESN in Orsumoghu Forest spanning Anambra and Imo States. This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja. Nwachukwu said the raid was in continuation of ongoing operations to deter enforcement of the illegal sit-at-home order declared by the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the South East. He said the raid operation was carried out on Monday when troops were alerted of the violent activities of the irredentist group enforcing the illegal two weeks sit-at-home order in Onitsha, Nnewi and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as at New Market in Enugu state. He said the troops cleared IPOB camps in Ekeututu, Orsumoghu, Lilu and Mother Valley camps of the dissidents during the operations. According to him, troops came in contact with the group’s armed fighters, who detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), also known as Ogbunigwe, and fired using locally-fabricated mortar tube. Nwachukwu said the valiant troops overpowered the irredentist group in the firefight, compelling them to abandon their position and fled with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes. “Further cordon and search of the hideouts by the troops, led to the arrest of five fleeing members of the group and recovery of one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera and two detonated IED bombs, and a fabricated mortar tube. “Sadly, five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained varying degrees of injuries from the IED detonated by the criminals. “The Nigerian Army encourages all law-abiding citizens of the South East to continue to support ongoing operations with actionable information and to disregard the unlawful two-week sit-at-home order by going about their normal daily activities and businesses. “The Nigerian army, in synergy with sister services and security agencies, will undauntedly continue to protect and safeguard lives and property of the good and enterprising people of South East Nigeria, within the ambit of the law and the rules of engagement,” he said.