The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora to return home for the Christmas festivities, assuring them of adequate security across the south-east region.
Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, said the region remains Nigeria’s “most tranquil” zone, adding that security conditions have improved despite what he described as “sponsored instability” over the past four years.
Powerful asked residents and returnees to disregard what he termed propaganda against IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), saying both groups had played key roles in maintaining security with the support of the people.
He said the south-east has remained largely peaceful because Ndigbo are “inherently peaceful”, urging the people to bring investments back to the region.
Part of the statement read: “The worldwide family and movement of the IPOB, expertly guided by our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urges Ndigbo in Nigeria and abroad who plan to come home for the Christmas festivities to do so, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security throughout the entire South-East region.
“The South East Region is Nigeria’s most tranquil area. Despite the sponsored instability in the region over the last four years, the security conditions have notably enhanced.”
The group dismissed social media reports of an alleged kidnapping of passengers along the Owerri–Aba expressway, describing the circulated footage as “old” and “false”.
IPOB said ESN operations are carried out discreetly, noting that the group has no official social media accounts.
“The absence of continuous killings and abductions in the South-East region serves as evidence that there are ‘Lions’ guarding the land,” Powerful said.
He accused the federal government and some Igbo politicians of attempting to “break up” IPOB and ESN, saying the Biafra restoration movement remains “a sacred initiative”.
The group again urged Ndigbo to return home in large numbers for Christmas and invest in the region, advising them not to be discouraged by insecurity narratives.