The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the recent killing of civilians in Mbano, Imo State, describing the act as a “barbaric massacre” falsely attributed to its members and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
In a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesperson and Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, the group rejected what it called the “tired, manufactured narrative” by Nigerian security agencies, who swiftly blamed IPOB without presenting any evidence or conducting proper investigations.
“This heinous act is not the work of IPOB or ESN,” the statement read. “It is the handiwork of faceless fifth columnists—operatives embedded within the Nigerian security services—who slaughter our people to criminalise Biafra agitation and delegitimise the just struggle for our collective freedom.”
The group alleged that the killings in Mbano were part of a recurring pattern, where acts of violence in the Southeast coincide with growing legal and public momentum for the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB accused the Nigerian government of using such incidents to sway public opinion and suppress the Biafra movement.
IPOB also issued a scathing rebuke of Southeast political leaders, accusing them of complicity and betrayal. “To the governors of the Southeast and their Abuja handlers, we ask: how long will you mortgage the blood of your people for a seat at the table of oppression?” the group asked.
Challenging the Nigerian police to present credible evidence in court, IPOB maintained that neither it nor the ESN was involved in the Mbano incident. “We reject these false attributions. If IPOB or ESN is culpable, let the police prove it in a court of law—not through press statements.”
Emma Powerful stated that the group would not be silenced by what it described as a “government-orchestrated campaign of repression,” insisting that every innocent life lost in Igboland would be remembered and justice would eventually be served.
“The Directorate of Media and Publicity will not be silenced. Every act of repression only strengthens our resolve,” the statement concluded.
The Nigerian police and security agencies have yet to provide detailed evidence linking IPOB to the Mbano attack, as of the time of filing this report.