The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called for an independent investigation into the extrajudicial killings that occurred in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. The group has accused the Biafra Liberation Army of orchestrating the violence, distancing itself and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), from the activities in the region.
In a statement released on Friday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, condemned the killings and commended security forces and local vigilantes for efforts to remove criminal elements from the Mother Valley camp in Orsu. He alleged that the Biafra Liberation Army was created to destabilize the Southeast and undermine IPOB’s reputation on both national and international levels. According to him, these armed groups were taking advantage of the prolonged detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to justify their violent activities.
Powerful claimed that these individuals were backed by state actors who used them to fabricate evidence against IPOB and Kanu. He further alleged that for over three years, the criminals had terrorized communities in Imo and parts of Anambra State, yet security agencies took no action until recently.
IPOB has repeatedly disassociated itself from the Biafra Liberation Army and condemned their activities. The group emphasized that while it advocates for Biafra’s self-determination, it does not support criminality or violence against innocent civilians.
As security forces reclaim the Orsu community, IPOB urged them to extend operations to other strongholds where criminals allegedly operate, including Aku forest in Okigwe. The group also demanded that the government compensate victims of both criminal violence and alleged extrajudicial killings carried out by security agencies.
Reaffirming its stance against violence, IPOB insisted that those responsible for the killings in Orsu and surrounding areas should be held accountable. The group called for a transparent investigation to ensure justice for affected communities.
