Factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Simon Ekpa has asked Igbo traders in Lagos to prepare for a sit-at-home exercise over alleged attacks on them.
Ekpa stated this on Tuesday following the fire incident at Balogun Market in Lagos. The market is populated by Igbo traders.
The factional separatist leader, who claims his loyalty is to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in February in Finland where he is based over a suspected crime. He was later released.
Tweeting on Tuesday, Ekpa assured Igbo traders in Lagos of the security of their businesses as they prepare for the sit-at-home protest.
He said, “I have just watched another Igbo Biafra Market in Lagos being burnt down in Balogun lagos today, and I am very sad. Since after the election, Igbo Biafrans in Lagos and their Businesses has been attacked and like I have said earlier, we can’t sit back and watch. As Biafrans in Lagos will be getting ready to return home with their businesses. To this end, we will activate sit at home for all Biafrans in Lagos.
This sit at home is targeted at crippling the economy of the Lagos state government, whose body language has suggested to be directly responsible for the attack against Igbos. I therefore call on all Igbo market leaders in Lagos that we are ready to provide securities for all Igbo markets in Lagos pending when the businesses will be moved to Eastern region. We will fortify all your market against attackers. The underground work will start immediately.
“This sit at home, when activated is applicable to every Biafran doing Business in Lagos. Both shop owners, commercial bus drivers etc.”
Ekpa has conducted largely successful sit-at-home protests in the South-East despite not having Kanu’s backing.
