The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on people of South-East Nigeria living within and outside Nigeria to travel home in large numbers for the Christmas celebrations, assuring that security across the South-East has significantly improved.
The group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, gave this assurance in a statement on Sunday.
Powerful stated that security operatives affiliated with the group’s Eastern Security Network (ESN), alongside community volunteers, would help maintain safety throughout the festive period.
IPOB described the Southeast as one of the most peaceful regions in Nigeria, insisting that security conditions have improved despite what it termed “sponsored instability” in recent years.
According to the spokesman, attempts to portray the region as unsafe were exaggerated and aimed at discrediting the group’s activities.
He also dismissed reports of a recent kidnapping along the Owerri–Aba Expressway at Ngor Okpala, describing the circulating video as an old clip that had resurfaced on social media.
The group maintained that security operations by the ESN are often carried out discreetly and are not publicized online.
It further stated that the ESN does not operate official social media accounts and warned the public against misinformation.
The organisation accused the Federal Government and some political actors of trying, unsuccessfully, to dismantle its operations, while reiterating its long-standing demand for the self-determination of the Biafra region.
“Return home for the festive season and consider investing in the region. Your safety is guaranteed. We wish travellers a peaceful Christmas and safe journeys,” IPOB said.
Meanwhile, Abia State Government said it is not leaving anything to chances as Governor Alex Otti has convened Security Council meeting of all heads of security agencies and relevant officials in the wake of the new wave of insecurity in the country.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, told SEV that the Governor had during the meeting, declared his expectations to the stakeholders.
He said that the right strategies had been designed and proactive measures put in place to contain any form of insecurity in the state.
The SA further explained that the Governor considers security paramount and would stop at nothing to ensure that Abia is safe.