‘Return Home for Christmas’ – IPOB promises Igbos full protection

December 13, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has assured the Igbo people of South-east Nigeria of their safety during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a statement, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, encouraged Igbos to return home for the celebrations, promising that the group’s armed militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), would provide a peaceful atmosphere.

“We also encourage our people who wish to return home to enjoy the Christmas season as usual, with the assurance that ESN operatives will provide a peaceful atmosphere during the festive period,” Powerful said.

IPOB attributed the growing insecurity in the South-east to the Nigerian government’s alleged subjugation of the region.

Powerful claimed that the government provides security in other regions while occupying the South-east with security operatives.

“The Nigerian security forces’ presence in our region makes us vulnerable and creates more insecurity,” he said.

The group called on Igbos in other regions to relocate their investments to the South-east, promising to ensure the security of these investments.

“We are committed to making sure that the investments are secure,” Powerful said.

“IPOB volunteers and ESN operatives are working hard to make Biafra Land uncomfortable and unworkable to both state-sponsored and common criminals.”

IPOB also urged the dismantling of all security checkpoints in the South-east, accusing security operatives of harassing and extorting people in the region.