IPOB Claims Plot to Target Igbos During Nationwide Protest

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have alleged a plot to target and eliminate Igbos in the North and Western parts of Nigeria during the ongoing 10-day hunger protest.

In a statement issued on Thursday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, warned Igbos to stay vigilant and safeguard their lives and property as the nationwide protest unfolds.

Powerful claimed that there are plans to hire criminals to attack Igbos under the guise of targeting protest organizers. He also suggested that there are intentions to send criminal elements from the North to the East to incite violence and create opportunities for security forces to target Igbos.

“We advise Ndigbo to remain cautious and protect themselves during the protests,” Powerful stated. “The operation to target Ndigbo in the North and West will be disguised as efforts to go after protest sponsors. This is a deliberate attempt to provoke violence against Igbos.”

He accused the Nigerian government of using false accusations against IPOB and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as part of a strategy to target and eliminate Igbos.

“The false claims that IPOB and Mr. Peter Obi are behind the protests are part of a sinister agenda to target Ndigbo,” Powerful added. “Neither IPOB nor Ndigbo called for the protests against the government’s performance. In fact, IPOB and other Igbo groups have advised against participating in the protest. The accusations against us are unfounded and aimed at causing harm to our people.”