IPOB Accuses Governor Uzodinma Of Using NYSC Members’ Abduction To Frame Biafran Agitators, Demands Probe
IPOB Accuses Governor Uzodinma Of Using NYSC Members’ Abduction To Frame Biafran Agitators, Demands Probe
IPOB described any attempt to link IPOB to the kidnapping of the corps members as a “calculated falsehood meant to demonise our movement.”
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of manipulating the state’s security situation to frame Biafran agitators for the abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
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The IPOB also called for an independent, international probe of the abduction of the corps members which occurred along the Onitsha-Owerri axis, including the alleged financial trails of ransom payments.
IPOB made the allegations in a statement issued on Saturday, October 10, by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, in which it condemned the abduction of the corps members, now rescued, and denied any involvement in the incidents.
Powerful described any attempt to link IPOB to the kidnapping of the corps members as a “calculated falsehood meant to demonise our movement.”
IPOB further alleged that the incidents in Imo State were being exploited for political purposes, claiming that Uzodimma was seeking to strengthen his political standing with President Bola Tinubu amid reported political tensions involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
IPOB alleged that Governor Uzodimma was attempting to present himself as an indispensable security figure in the South-East.
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The group also claimed that Governor Uzodimma was positioning himself for the Senate presidency, alleging that some Igbo politicians feared that the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu could diminish their political influence.
The Biafran group raised concerns over what it described as suspicious security gaps in parts of Imo State, alleging that military personnel had inexplicably abandoned key checkpoints, creating opportunities for armed groups to operate.
“These voids are systematically filled by politically sponsored militias and armed groups tasked with staging attacks, abductions, and extortion scheme ransom collections — all designed to be pinned on IPOB,” IPOB alleged.
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IPOB also called for scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the abductions and subsequent rescue operations, suggesting that the incidents were being used to discredit the Biafra self-determination campaign.
IPOB also accused unnamed criminal elements and alleged state-sponsored agents of exploiting its announced plan to boycott elections to engage in criminal activities while falsely attributing them to the group.
The group said it had declared its intention to boycott elections but would announce the specific methods for implementing the decision closer to the time.
IPOB also alleged that individuals who previously hijacked Monday sit-at-home exercises were now using its election boycott position as a cover for criminality.
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“Criminal elements and state-sponsored agents who previously hijacked Monday sit-at-homes are now using the cover of ‘IPOB said they will boycott’ to unleash criminality and frame our peaceful movement,” IPOB said.
IPOB has repeatedly maintained that it is pursuing self-determination for the Igbo people and other communities it considers part of Biafra.
It insisted that its movement should not be held responsible for criminal acts merely because of its political objectives.
“IPOB does not target civilians, students, or NYSC members,” IPOB said, describing its campaign as “a peaceful, legally anchored quest for self-determination through a referendum.”
The group called for an immediate, open and independent international investigation into the reported abductions along the Onitsha-Owerri axis.
IPOB specifically demanded that investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the incidents and trace the alleged ransom payments to establish who received the money and whether any individuals or groups benefited financially.
The group also urged Nigerians and the international community not to accept what it characterised as a political campaign to associate the Biafra movement with insecurity in the South-East.
“We urge the public and the international community to look past the political theatre orchestrated from Owerri,” IPOB added.
