The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the recent massacre of over 30 people in Orsuihiteukwa, a community in Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State.
In a statement released by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the killings as barbaric and expressed deep sympathy for the families of the victims.
The statement accused a group known as “Umuoma” of orchestrating the violence, claiming the group operates under the guise of Biafra agitators.
IPOB clarified that its security outfit, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), was not involved in the incident and remains focused on protecting Biafran communities from external threats, including armed herdsmen.
“ESN remains a disciplined and focused organization. It does not engage in violence against innocent people, and those accusing ESN of inaction or involvement in these killings are spreading falsehoods,” the statement read.
IPOB further alleged that the Umuoma group is part of a larger network, including the so-called Biafra Liberation Army under the control of exiled and incarcerated figures.
According to IPOB, these groups are supported by the Nigerian government and certain politicians from the South East, with the aim of destabilizing the region and discrediting the legitimate struggle for Biafra’s self-determination.
“The Nigerian government and some South Eastern politicians recruited and funded these criminals to blackmail IPOB and ESN. Their violent activities, particularly in Imo State, are part of a larger agenda to undermine our peaceful movement,” IPOB stated.
The group also accused the Nigerian military and police of turning a blind eye to the activities of these criminals, who have reportedly operated from a notorious camp in Orsu for over three years.
IPOB urged the public to hold the government accountable for the insecurity in the region, emphasizing that its movement remains nonviolent.
“IPOB remains committed to peaceful civil disobedience in pursuit of Biafra’s independence. We reject violence against Ndigbo and demand that the Nigerian government stop using state and non-state actors to shed innocent blood,” the statement concluded.
IPOB called for international attention to the situation in Biafraland and reiterated its plea for the release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention in Nigeria.