The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from the incessant attacks and killings in Imo, Anambra and other parts of the South-East.
This was made known in a statement issued by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Thursday, TrackNews reports.
Recall that some unknown gunmen killed four police officers during an attack on a police station located in Atani, the headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday.
Reacting, Powerful said IPOB was not responsible for the attacks in the region but only after the protection of the people and communities in the zone.
He stated that members of the group are civilised people and not criminals, adding that IPOB members are never involved in the barbarities going on in the South East.
The IPOB spokesman asserted that anybody linking IPOB or ESN with the attacks and killings in the region is a blackmailer.
He said: “We strongly condemn the senseless and incessant attacks, abductions, killings and all manner of criminalities in the South Eastern States especially the recent barbarities in Anambra and other states in the regions of South-East and South-South.
“Again, we want to inform the world that IPOB and the Eastern Security Network, ESN members had no hands in the attacks contrary to baseless allegations by our enemies. We are not involved in the criminal activities of agents of darkness in our land.
“IPOB members are civilised people and are never involved in the barbarities going on in our territory. Anybody linking IPOB or ESN with these devilish activities is a blackmailer.
“IPOB is not unknown gunmen and we cannot be. We are only after our mandate which is to protect our communities, bushes and farms against the jihadists masquerading as Fulani herdsmen killing, maiming and raping our mothers, wives and sisters going to farms. IPOB will not tolerate such nonsense anymore.”
IPOB also urged Northern youths to unite and defend their territories against the activities of bandits and other terrorists in the country.
The proscribed group also slammed Governor Nasir- El-Rufai of Kaduna State for his position despite the violence perpetrated against people in the Southern part of the state.
It added: “It is now clear to all that the bandits are out to eliminate every single individual or group in Southern Kaduna. Yet the governor is still looking for excuses instead of going after terrorists and bandits killing his subjects.
“We, therefore, urge Middle Belt, particularly the people of Southern Kaduna, Jos and people of Nasarawa youths who allowed their parents and children to be slaughtered like chicken.
“We, therefore, encourage the youths to come out and defend their land otherwise Fulani terrorists masquerading as bandits now will finish them. They already know that Biafran youths won’t allow them any breeding ground in our territory.
“All indigenous Communities in Nigeria must unite against these vampires now. We should not allow them to succeed in their evil mission. They know that time is running out on them that is why they are on the prowl again.”
