IPOB assures security in South-East, urges Ndigbo to return home for Christmas

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Ndigbo across Nigeria and abroad to spend the Christmas season in the South-East, assuring returnees that the region will remain secure throughout the festivities.

According to the group, the South-East continues to stand out as Nigeria’s “most tranquil” zone, insisting that security in the area has steadily improved despite what it described as “sponsored instability” witnessed in recent years.

In a statement issued on Sunday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, urged residents and holiday travellers to ignore negative narratives allegedly targeted at IPOB and its Eastern Security Network. He maintained that both groups, working with residents, have contributed significantly to keeping the region safe.

Powerful added that the area has enjoyed relative calm because Ndigbo are “inherently peaceful”, while also appealing to people returning for the holidays to consider bringing investments home.

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“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 statement read in part.

The group also rejected claims circulating online that passengers were kidnapped at Ngor Okpala along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, describing the video being shared as “old” and “false”.

It explained that ESN activities are intentionally discreet and warned the public not to expect updates on social media, stressing that the security outfit has no official online platforms.

Powerful added, “The absence of continuous killings and abductions in the South-East region serves as evidence that there are ‘Lions’ guarding the land.”

He accused the Federal Government and certain Igbo political actors of attempting to “break up” IPOB and ESN without success, insisting that the struggle for Biafra remains “a sacred initiative”.

IPOB encouraged Ndigbo to travel home en masse for Christmas and invest in the South-East, urging them not to be deterred by insecurity narratives.