Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has sternly warned Fulani herdsmen against retaliatory attacks on communities in Abia State’s Umunneochi Council area over the slaughter of cows grazing on farmlands.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB commended Eastern Security Network, ESN, operatives for their work in protecting hapless farmers from wicked and criminal herdsmen.
“IPOB and ESN are to blame for the slaughter of cows encroaching on people’s farmlands.” We also warn Fulani terrorists not to attack any community in the area because it is against their nature.
“If they attack any Community, Fulani will be barred from doing business in that market again.”
” IPOB advises all Fulani in legitimate business to stay within the designated market areas assigned to them. They are not permitted to exceed the square meters and measurements specified in that market. If they do, they will have to settle scores with IPOB.
IPOB justified the slaughter of cows at Lokpanta and vowed never to watch terrorists take over forests in Igbo land in the guise of cattle rearing when their true mission is to wreak havoc.
“IPOB is not a terrorist organization; our priority is a peaceful Biafra Referendum for Biafrans to decide their fate in the Nigeria project.”
“We are on the trail of terrorists dressed as herdsmen who are kidnapping and destroying our people’s lives and farmlands in that area.”
“We are not Fulani terrorists who used Boko Haram to force Goodluck Ebere Jonathan out of office and install Buhari.”
“The terrorists posing as herdsmen in Lokpanta should be aware that ESN, under IPOB, is responsible for the recent slaughter of cows, which the terrorists are using as cover to kidnap, rape, and destroy our people’s farmlands.”
“As a result, if these terrorists attack any community in that area, they must be prepared to leave that area, and indeed all of Biafra land.” We are unconcerned about what their political leaders and political collaborators in Igbo land say.
“IPOB and ESN share the responsibility of keeping our land safe for indigenous peoples and lawful residents.” We will not back down from this obligation, even if Nigeria’s compromised security forces have joined the agenda to forcibly take over our land.
“IPOB is the people, and the people are IPOB, and no tribe or individual will take over our land.” Neither today nor tomorrow.”
The pro-Biafra movement has denied any links with Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, claiming that there is no link between its agitation and Obi’s presidential ambition.
Those who try to link the Biafran agitation to Obi’s presidential campaign, according to IPOB, are suffering from “Igbophobia” ( unwarranted hatred for the Igbo).
“The fact that Arewa groups associate Peter Obi’s name with IPOB activities demonstrates that they suffer from “Igbophobia.” Peter Obi is a member of the Nigerian elite, and his condemnation or silence on IPOB activities is unimportant to us.
“Did Alhaji Atiku Abubakar condemn Deborah Yakubu’s heinous murder in Sokoto State two months ago?” Instead, he aided Muslim fanatics who murdered and burned a young lady in her school because she posted something unrelated to the Muslim family. Let it be clear to the Arewa group and anyone else who cares that IPOB and Peter Obi, along with other Igbo politicians, have parallel objectives that have nothing to do with IPOB strategy and operations.”
