In a recent development in the Southeast region, the Federation of Nigerian Activists (FENA) has expressed grave concerns over the escalating dangerous activities allegedly perpetrated by the proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB). The rights group has raised alarm over the killings, kidnappings, and disruptions of business activities in the Igbo land, asserting that IPOB has deviated from its original purpose and must be halted before it plunges the entire Southeast into ungovernability.
Comrade Mark Adebayo, the convener of FENA, voiced his stance on the matter and expressed doubts about IPOB’s original intentions. He questioned whether the organization’s initial plan was to transform into a terrorist entity targeting the Igbo people, emphasizing that IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, would not be pleased with such a shift in direction.
“It is evident that IPOB has lost its original purpose and must be stopped before it makes the whole of Southeast totally ungovernable,” declared Comrade Adebayo.
The recent surge in attacks in the region, allegedly orchestrated by gunmen enforcing IPOB’s weekly sit-at-home order, has intensified concerns. IPOB has been demanding the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention due to his ongoing trial for secessionist activities.
Comrade Adebayo, while calling for immediate action against IPOB, reflected on his initial support for the group, believing their agitation for a separate state of Biafra to be a genuine struggle for liberation and a legitimate cause against the prevailing injustice. However, he has since changed his stance, asserting that the movement has been infiltrated by sophisticated criminal elements whose actions can only be classified as terrorism.
“They are killing their own people. They’re raping their own people. They’re kidnapping their own people for ransom. They rob. They destroy properties. They attack innocent children writing exams in their schools. They impoverish their own people by obstructing their businesses for a whole day, thereby causing significant losses. They commit horrifying acts of violence against their own people. They have effectively made the Southeast a ‘no-go area’ for many of their own people,” stated Comrade Adebayo, emphasizing the detrimental impact of IPOB’s criminal activities on the Igbo community.
Contrary to the group’s cultural heritage, Igbos are now forced to bury their deceased in other locations where they reside and conduct business, out of fear of being targeted for murder or kidnapping. Comrade Adebayo highlighted that IPOB’s criminal actions have inflicted more harm on the Igbo people than any other ethnic group in the country, raising concerns about the group’s contradictory claims of fighting for their liberation.
Continuing his address, Comrade Adebayo, who is also the Co-Spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), stressed the necessity for a political solution regarding the case of Nnamdi Kanu. He urged the federal government to seriously consider his release and subsequently take decisive action against any group claiming to be IPOB.
“I doubt if the original plan was for IPOB to transform into a terrorist entity targeting the Igbo people. But that’s what it has become. I doubt if Nnamdi Kanu would be happy about this,” expressed Comrade Adebayo.
“Furthermore, in order to quell all secessionist aspirations, restructuring Nigeria has become an imperative reality to ensure justice, equity, and a sense of belonging for each geopolitical zone in the country,” he added.
The Federation of Nigerian Activists (FENA) continues to advocate for an end to the dangerous activities of IPOB and seeks a comprehensive resolution to address the underlying grievances in the region.
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