The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Army of failing to tackle insecurity in the South-East, alleging that the recent attack on a Catholic church in Enugu State was part of a wider campaign of violence against communities in the region.
The allegations were contained in the group’s first weekly address delivered on Tuesday by Chris Nwaọgụ, who was introduced as the Head of IPOB’s Fourth Administration Directorate of State. He said the weekly broadcast would serve as a platform to update supporters on the group’s activities and its campaign for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB Reacts to Enugu Church Attack
Speaking on the recent attack at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nwaọgụ described the incident as a “theatre of terror.”
According to him, armed men reportedly invaded the church during Mass, abducting worshippers, including a seminarian, while residents and relatives gathered outside in anguish.
He claimed that one of the abducted victims had been rescued, while two others remained in captivity at the time of his address.
Allegations Against Enugu Government and Military
IPOB alleged that the Enugu State Government, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, had created conditions that enabled attacks on communities across the South-East.
The group further claimed that security authorities had focused on portraying IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) as a threat while allegedly failing to confront those it accused of carrying out violent attacks in the region.
Nwaọgụ also criticised the state government for what he described as its failure to publicly condemn the church attack, alleging that the silence amounted to complicity.
Neither the Enugu State Government nor the Nigerian Army has responded to these allegations.
IPOB Defends ESN
The separatist group defended the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), describing it as a community-based security outfit established to protect residents, churches, farms, and communities in the South-East.
According to IPOB, ESN has played a significant role in preventing attacks in the region, although Nigerian authorities have consistently maintained that the outfit is unlawful and have linked it to violent incidents, allegations the group has repeatedly denied.
Fresh Calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
Nwaọgụ also renewed the group’s demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that his continued detention has contributed to the security challenges in the South-East.
He maintained that Kanu’s prosecution lacks legal basis and referenced previous court proceedings while insisting that the IPOB leader should be freed.
Kanu has remained in the custody of the Nigerian government since his extradition to Nigeria in 2021 and is facing terrorism-related charges, which he has denied.
IPOB Announces ‘Radio Biafra Homeland’
The group announced plans to launch a new online broadcasting platform known as Radio Biafra Homeland, which it said would commence live transmissions later this week.
According to IPOB, the platform represents the official voice of the organisation following internal leadership disputes that resulted in the expulsion of some members from its previous administration.
The group stated that any media platform using the name “Radio Biafra” without the word “Homeland” should not be regarded as representing its current leadership.
Planned International Campaign
IPOB also disclosed plans to organise a world press conference aimed at drawing international attention to what it described as human rights violations against its members and supporters.
The organisation alleged that its members had been subjected to enforced disappearances, torture, and unlawful killings by security agencies, claims that Nigerian authorities have repeatedly denied.
The group further said it would continue its international lobbying efforts, claiming it has engaged policymakers in Israel and the United States in support of its campaign for Kanu’s release and its call for self-determination.
Group Reiterates Demands
Among its key demands, IPOB called for:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and other persons it described as prisoners of conscience.
- Stronger action against criminal groups responsible for insecurity in the South-East.
- Recognition of the role it attributes to ESN in protecting communities.
- An end to what it alleged were policies that expose communities to attacks.
Launch of Weekly Social Media Campaign
As part of its mobilisation efforts, the organisation introduced what it called “Compulsory Tweet Tuesday,” urging supporters around the world to post weekly messages using the hashtags #FreeMaziNnamdiKanu and #FreeNnamdiKanu.
Nwaọgụ encouraged supporters to use social media to amplify the group’s message while maintaining what he described as peaceful advocacy for self-determination.
He concluded the address by urging IPOB supporters to remain united and disciplined, expressing optimism that the group’s objectives would eventually be achieved.
