In a sharp rebuke, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has faulted Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo for attributing the surge in kidnappings within the South-East to Igbo youths. The separatist group described the governor’s statements as provocative and unfounded, cautioning that such rhetoric could endanger innocent lives.
Governor Soludo’s remarks came during an event in Maryland, United States, where he reportedly stated that “99% of arrested kidnappers in the state were Igbos and not Fulani herdsmen.” This claim has drawn ire from IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who condemned the governor for providing a pretext for security forces and Fulani militias to intensify crackdowns on youths in the region.
IPOB’s official response highlighted the lack of evidence backing Soludo’s allegations and warned that these comments could legitimize extrajudicial actions, including unlawful detentions and raids targeting the Igbo populace. The group questioned the governor’s leadership priorities, especially in light of ongoing violent incursions by Fulani herdsmen and military forces in the South-East.
The statement accused Soludo of leveraging the security situation to advance his political ambitions and curry favor with the ruling elite, rather than safeguarding his people. IPOB challenged the governor to substantiate his claims with verified investigations or court convictions.
Furthermore, IPOB criticized Soludo for allegedly hindering the release of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, despite his previous public appeals for Kanu’s freedom. The group urged the people of Anambra and the broader South-East to remain vigilant and identify their true enemies.