The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Igbos to return home for the Christmas celebrations, promising a secure and peaceful environment under the watchful protection of its Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The appeal was made through a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.
The group reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace and security in the South East, portraying the region as a historically serene area with a shared interest in economic growth and development.
Powerful said, “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.”
IPOB urged all Igbos to play their part in preserving this harmony, which it sees as essential to the region’s socio-economic progress.
The group also criticized the Nigerian government’s approach to security in the South East, accusing it of militarizing the region and worsening insecurity under the guise of maintaining order.
“We need peace to thrive as a strategic economic hub in Africa. Every Igbo man and woman must work towards peace and security in Alaigbo,” the statement declared, highlighting the region’s potential as a major economic force.
IPOB called on Igbos to invest in the South East, encouraging them to bring their businesses and investments back home to create job opportunities for the youth and accelerate development.
The group reassured potential investors of the ESN’s active efforts to eliminate criminal activity in the region, particularly during the festive season.
Addressing criminal elements, IPOB warned them to stay away from the South East, stressing that the ESN and IPOB volunteers would intensify efforts to root out lawlessness and maintain order.
The statement also blamed the Nigerian government for allegedly sponsoring insecurity as a pretext for militarizing the region.
IPOB further called for the removal of what it termed “illegal” security checkpoints manned by police, military, and other security operatives.
It claimed these checkpoints had become hotspots for extortion, intimidation, and harassment of travelers.
“Alaigbo can’t be allowed to be in disarray while other regions seem to enjoy peace and security, even if they are not exactly peaceful.
“The Nigerian security forces presence in our region makes us vulnerable and creates more insecurity.
“IPOB will provide security for the land of Biafra. IPOB has called on Ndigbo to return their investments home to encourage more development for employment for the South-East youths.
“We are committed to making sure that the investments are secure. To this effect, IPOB cautions the criminal elements to stay off Alaigbo, particularly during this Christmas season.
“IPOB volunteers and ESN operatives are working hard to make the South-East uncomfortable and unworkable to both state sponsored and common criminals,” the statement partly read.
To strengthen security, IPOB emphasized the role of ESN operatives in guarding forests and bushes across the South East to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts.
The group urged residents to reach out to ESN operatives for support using its designated security contact lines.