The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticised Senator Orji Uzor Kalu over a claim attributed to him alleging that the group and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, were behind the deaths of more than 30,000 people in the South East.
In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group dismissed the allegation as “false and irresponsible,” arguing that it completely distorts what IPOB stands for. The group maintained that it has remained committed to a non-violent struggle.
IPOB, in a statement titled “IPOB Did Not Cause Insecurity and Mortality in the South East,” insisted that insecurity in the region stems from wider political and security issues, not from its activities. It stated that both its members and its leader have been consistent targets of arrests, raids, and security crackdowns over the years.
The group renewed its demand for an independent investigation into violent incidents in the South East since 2015, insisting that only a transparent review can reveal the true causes of instability in the region.
IPOB also criticised Senator Kalu for allegedly misrepresenting its role and urged him to present evidence to support such a claim. It stressed that it bears no responsibility for the killings or destruction recorded in the region, insisting that its agitation has been conducted within lawful boundaries.
The statement went further to accuse certain unnamed political actors of weaponising allegations against IPOB for political gain, warning that such actions heighten tensions and mislead the public.
The group also reiterated its demand for due process in the legal matters involving its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while alleging that political interference has complicated his case. IPOB encouraged the public to disregard any claims linking the organisation to widespread violence without credible evidence.
As of the time of this report, Senator Kalu had not issued any additional response.
IPOB concluded by stating that its movement remains focused on advocacy and that all allegations against it should be subjected to independent scrutiny.
