The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has refuted claims by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah that the group is linked to Simon Ekpa’s autopilot group, stating that IPOB has no connection with Ekpa or his followers.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, described the governor’s claims as “false” and “cheap propaganda” against the organization.
Powerful emphasized that Ekpa’s group and the 27 kidnapping gangs neutralized by the police are not members of IPOB, and that the group has no relationship with Ekpa or his autopilot faction.
He reiterated that IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives are disciplined vigilantes focused on protecting Biafran farmers and farmlands from terrorists, and have never been involved in criminal activities.
IPOB warned the governor’s media office to cease linking ESN and IPOB to Ekpa’s autopilot group and his criminals, emphasizing that all ESN operatives are under the command of IPOB’s Directorate of States.
The group maintains that it has no factions or affiliates and is committed to its mandate of protecting Biafrans.
