The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong call to Igbo politicians, urging them to halt political witch-hunts and work together to combat the escalating insecurity in the Southeast. The organization emphasizes that the region faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the ongoing detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, high youth unemployment, and aggressive security measures like shoot-at-sight orders by authorities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful highlighted the urgency for unity among Southeast leaders to address the underlying causes of insecurity. He warned that failure to act collectively could allow adversaries to exploit the situation for their own agendas.

Powerful pointed out, “Southeast politicians should wake up and work together to end insecurity in the region. They should stop sponsoring hardened armed robbers and political thugs in our area in the hope of discrediting the legitimate activities of the great and noble IPOB.” He further questioned why Southeast governors have not fulfilled their promise to approach President Bola Tinubu regarding Kanu’s release, suggesting that these leaders might benefit from the ongoing chaos.

IPOB accuses some politicians of colluding with those against the Igbo community, asserting that there is a coordinated effort to undermine their movement, which seeks to secure a referendum for Biafran independence. The group recalled a time when the Southeast was regarded as one of Nigeria’s safest regions, lamenting how recent government actions have led to increased violence, including past tragedies like the Nkpor massacre and Operation Python Dance.

Furthermore, the group argues that the reluctance of some governors to advocate for Kanu’s release indicates a deeper strategy to weaken IPOB and delegitimize its peaceful approach. They assert that these politicians are aware that Kanu’s freedom could dramatically improve the security situation in their homeland, which they allegedly prefer to maintain for personal gain.

“Political bickering among Ndigbo should stop,” IPOB demands, urging leaders to differentiate between common criminals and legitimate activists. They believe that by uniting against the common threats, they can protect their communities and restore peace, particularly with the festive season approaching.