Nnamdi Kanu’s release may not end Insecurity in South-East Nigeria – Soludo
December 18, 2024
By Adedoja Adesoji
Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has expressed doubts about whether releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would put an end to the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s South-east region.
According to Punch NG, Soludo made this statement during a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, where he emphasized that the hoodlums responsible for the frequent attacks in the South-east are mere criminals who have hijacked the Biafra struggle.
According to Soludo, these criminals are using the agitation and Kanu’s name as a cover to perpetrate violence and engage in lucrative criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry.
“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo stated.
“Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation.”
Soludo further revealed that over 99% of criminals arrested in Anambra in the last two years were Igbos, with more than 70% being non-indigenes of the state.
Mr Soludo maintained that their activities have nothing to do with the genuine liberation struggle, stating that such crimes are purely driven by greed and lawlessness.
“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals.
“Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation,” he stated.
The governor said, “They (criminals) have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their own people?
“The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs.
“They hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra.”
The Governor’s statement comes as a response to the repeated calls by many Igbo leaders for Kanu’s release, citing that his freedom would bring an end to insecurity in the South-east.