The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Friday distanced itself from the recent killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State, accusing politicians of orchestrating the attack to create unrest in the peaceful Enyimba city.
In a statement signed by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group condemned the attack and stressed that it was not involved. Powerful asserted that politicians used criminals to carry out the assault.
“We condemn the attack on military personnel in Aba. We are not involved because our sit-at-home order is to honor our fallen heroes and heroines, not to attack anyone. Anyone attributing the attack to IPOB is misinformed,” Powerful stated.
He further emphasized that IPOB is focused on its sit-at-home order, which commemorates those who died during the Biafra civil war. “IPOB has no interest in attacking anyone; those responsible for this attack are politicians planning to create problems in peaceful Enyimba City. The governor of Abia State must be vigilant as these politicians aim to incite a crisis in Aba,” he added.
On Thursday, unknown gunmen killed five soldiers at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, during the sit-at-home declared by IPOB. The sit-at-home was meant to remember those killed during the Biafra civil war.
Powerful concluded by reiterating that those who carried out the attack were criminals, not IPOB members. “We condemn the criminal activities of yesterday,” he said.
