IPOB to Igbos: ‘Come Home for the Festive Season, ESN Will Ensure Your Safety’
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has assured Igbos of a safe and peaceful festive season, urging those in the diaspora to return home and celebrate in Alaigbo. The group pledged that operatives of its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), would ensure a secure environment for all throughout the holidays.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB called for unity and collaboration to foster peace in the Southeast, describing the region as a critical economic hub in Africa.
“Alaigbo is a very peaceful region. IPOB encourages our people to return home and enjoy a peaceful festive season,” the statement read.
Emma Powerful assured that IPOB is dedicated to maintaining order during the festivities.
“ESN operatives will provide a peaceful atmosphere during the festive period. Our people should come home and contribute their best to ensuring that Alaigbo remains peaceful,” he said.
The group emphasised that peace and security are vital for the economic growth of the Southeast, encouraging every Igbo person to play an active role in safeguarding the region.
“We need peace to thrive as an economic powerhouse. Every Igbo man and woman must work towards peace and security in Alaigbo. While other regions appear to enjoy relative peace and security, our region is often subjected to occupation and subjugation by Nigerian security forces,” IPOB stated.
Call for Dismantling of Security Checkpoints
The group criticized the Nigerian government for exacerbating insecurity in the Southeast through what it described as the “indiscriminate and excessive presence” of police and military checkpoints. According to IPOB, these checkpoints are not only unnecessary but have become hubs for extortion, frustrating travelers and creating tension in the region.
“The uncountable numbers of police and military extortion checkpoints are frustrating motorists and all travelers. IPOB calls for the dismantling of all indiscriminate military, police, and other checkpoints in the Southeast,” the statement said.
Also Read: Do Igbos Reject Selling Land to Outsiders? A Story from My Southeast Childhood
The group argued that such checkpoints disrupt economic activities and hinder the free movement of people within the region, further underscoring the need for peace to spur development.
Call for Diaspora Investments
Beyond festive celebrations, IPOB urged Igbos in the diaspora to prioritize investments in the Southeast, which the group views as a critical step toward addressing unemployment and boosting economic development.
“We are committed to ensuring that investments brought home are secure and well-protected,” IPOB promised.
“Our people in the diaspora must return their investments home to create employment opportunities for our youths and contribute to the growth of Alaigbo.”
The group reiterated its readiness to provide security for all investments, assuring prospective investors of a conducive environment for business and growth.
Focus on a Peaceful Alaigbo
In its message, IPOB called on Igbos everywhere to unite in their efforts to maintain peace and ensure the safety of the region, particularly during the festive period.
“Our region is a strategic economic hub, and every Igbo man and woman must work towards ensuring its prosperity,” the statement read.
