The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Ndigbo to return to their homeland for the Christmas season, assuring them that its Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives will provide safety and maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the festive period.
This was contained in a statement by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity in the South East region and emphasized its role in fostering peace and development.
It described Alaigbo as a historically peaceful region, urging all Igbos to contribute to maintaining harmony, which is critical for the region’s economic growth.
IPOB stressed that peace and security in the South East should not lag behind other regions in Nigeria, even as it accused the Nigerian government of exacerbating insecurity in the region through militarization and alleged subjugation.
“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.
The group reiterated its commitment to securing investments in the South East and encouraged Igbos to bring their investments home to spur development and create job opportunities for the region’s youth.
It also cautioned criminals to steer clear of the South East, particularly during the Christmas season, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers are actively working to make the region inhospitable for criminal activities.
The group also accused the Nigerian government and its security forces of sponsoring insecurity as a pretext for continued militarization of the region.
“We call for the dismantling of all indiscriminate and illegal military, police, and other checkpoints in the South East. These checkpoints are sources of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of travelers,” the group stated.
IPOB highlighted the role of ESN operatives in safeguarding Biafran bushes and forests to prevent criminal elements from using them as hideouts, encouraging residents to contact ESN operatives when needed through the published security information contact numbers.