The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, of deliberately instigating insecurity in the state, alleging that his actions are aimed at undermining what the group described as its “peaceful” agitation for Biafra.
IPOB made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, following the deployment of armoured tanks and heavily armed security personnel to enforce the closure of the Onitsha Main Market.
Governor Soludo had ordered the closure of the market for one week after traders reportedly failed to open their shops on Monday in compliance with the sit-at-home order observed across parts of the South-East. The governor also warned that failure by traders to resume business the following Monday could result in the market being shut for an additional one month.
IPOB said it had earlier asked traders to open their shops on Tuesday, dismissing the governor’s directive. However, security operatives were deployed to enforce the closure, leading to tension in the commercial city.
Condemning the action, the pro-Biafra group accused the governor of violating human rights and democratic principles, alleging that security operatives fired live ammunition at protesting traders.
IPOB warned that the use of force against civilians could worsen insecurity in the state rather than resolve it, insisting that the lives of innocent citizens were being endangered.
The group called on Nigerians, human rights organisations and the international community to intervene and caution the Anambra State Government, the police and the military against what it described as excessive use of force.
IPOB further claimed that the deployment of security forces was counterproductive and accused the government of actions that could escalate tensions in the region. The group reiterated its commitment to non-violence and peaceful agitation, urging protesters to remain calm and law-abiding despite what it termed provocation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Government had not officially responded to the allegations.
