Ipob accuses southeast governors of being behind unknown gunmen attacks saying ESN is innocent

SECESSIONIST group the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) has reiterated that the unknown gunmen terrorising the southeast geo-political zone are hoodlums hired by the governors and not members of its military wing the Eastern Security Network ( ESN).

Created as Ipob's armed wing the ESN has taken on the responsibility of confronting armed Fulani herdsmen across the southeast geo-political zone. Of late, however, it has been accused of acts of bringandry, including raiding police stations and carting away weapons and of carrying out murders across the southeast.

However, Ipob  has vehemently denied this, saying the general public should understand that those behind the orgy of kidnapping and barbaric killings have no link whatsoever with ESN. It alleges that the genocide is planned by conspirators to unleash mayhem on Igbo people in their desperation to demonise ESN personnel and Ipob volunteers.

Ipob spokesman Emma Powerful, said southeast governors created unknown gunmen to demonize the ESN and the Ipob leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He added the ESN, Ipob's militia arm has no hands in the recent attack at the Isu Local Government Area Divisional Police Headquarters by unknown gunmen.

Mr Powerful said: “We, the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to reiterate once again to the general public that Ipob volunteers and ESN operatives are not unknown gunmen contrary to allegations by the Nigeria Army, police and Department of State Security agents. We have warned Nigerian security agencies to stop linking ESN operatives and Ipob volunteers or members with the hoodlums behind the kidnappings and snatching of cars in the region.

“It is absolutely clear to all and sundry that Nigeria government and security agencies and their evil politicians created the unknown gunmen in the region particularly in the Imo State because the state government wants to demonise Ipob and our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We have also, severally explained that our ESN operatives stay in the bushes and forests safeguarding our mothers, wives and sisters who have been the victim of rape and killings by Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.

“ESN had no hands in the recent attack at the Isu Local Government Area Divisional Police  Headquarters by unknown gunmen. Those attacking them are those they created to demonise Ipob and its leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

"Ironically, the monster they created to destroy ESN has turned around to hunt them. They should leave Ipob and ESN out of their problem.”

He insisted that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State created these unknown gunmen operating in Imo State. According to Mr Powerful, the state security outfit Ebubeagu is now the major cause of death in Imo State as its members were recruited to harm people and blame it on Ipob and ESN.