The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has sharply criticized Amnesty International Nigeria for what it termed a rushed and baseless accusation linking the group to a recent violent attack along Okigwe Road in Imo State.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB condemned Amnesty International for allegedly aligning with blackmailers and losing its credibility through its perceived alliance with the Nigerian government.
“The esteemed family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, globally denounce what can be termed as State-sponsored terrorist assaults on civilians along the Okigwe-Owerri road in Imo State on May 8, 2025,” the group said.
“Simultaneously, we denounce all forms of media extortion aimed at IPOB and ESN, especially from Amnesty International Nigeria, for alleging and highlighting IPOB and ESN as offenders in those crimes.”
Describing the accusations as part of a long-standing pattern of state-backed propaganda, the group added “It is truly tragic that the Nigerian government has repeatedly conducted terrorist attacks against its own people merely to coerce IPOB into submission.”
The statement continued: “Since 2021, the Nigerian State has funded numerous violent criminal acts in the South East Region, using some irresponsible media and fake rights groups to attribute those criminal assaults to IPOB and ESN to evade investigations.”
IPOB cited several incidents it claims were wrongly attributed to the group, including the 2021 Owerri prison break and the murder of politician Ahmed Gulak.
“Included in those violent events, the Nigerian government at all levels have sponsored and linked IPOB, was the Owerri prison escape… We also recall the political assassination of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak in Owerri… which indicates that the government orchestrated his murder in Imo State.”
The group also accused Imo State of empowering armed groups under the guise of community security.
“The hiring of hoodlums who aggressively upheld the notorious sit-at-homes and devastated the Orsu community and beyond, and Imo State government’s recruitment of criminals under the guise of Ebubeagu and Asawana militia, has resulted in the extrajudicial killings of numerous Igbo youths,” the statement said.
It also decried the role of the military in a past incident: “The deceptive operation by the Nigerian military in Aba on Biafra Heroes Day, May 30, 2024, led to the deaths of 4 Igbo soldiers who were used as sacrificial victims.”
Referring directly to the May 8 incident, IPOB alleged: “The alleged murder of 30 individuals and torching of vehicles belonging to people along the Okigwe-Owerri road… is a plan by Nigeria government and Amnesty International Nigeria, joining together to ambush IPOB and ESN operatives locally and internationally.”
Rejecting all claims of involvement, IPOB stated: “As a peaceful self-determination movement, we have separated ourselves from all these claims and Amnesty International cannot claim that they don’t know that IPOB and ESN members were not involved in the killing and insecurity going on since 2021 till today.”
They called for international scrutiny: “We have similarly requested that international and independent investigative bodies, not the likes of Amnesty International Nigeria, be brought in to examine all these offences IPOB and ESN are being accused of.”
The group accused Amnesty International of seeking favors from the Nigerian state. “Amnesty International follows for minor and peanuts reward from Nigeria government and Imo State Government.”
Condemning media narratives against the movement, the statement continued: “IPOB has faced numerous state-sponsored media assaults and extortion-instigated allegations from various compromised media outlets… As a dedicated and accountable movement, we have protected ourselves by exposing all their fabrications.”
On Amnesty’s recent actions, IPOB said: “The recent report by Amnesty International, Nigeria, labelling IPOB and ESN as the culprits behind the Okigwe arson attack… demonstrates the extent of deceit afflicting that once-revered human rights organisation.”
They added: “It is worrisome and concerning that a supposed human rights organisation such as Amnesty International Nigeria would stoop so low as to align with blackmailers… while allowing Fulani terrorists to invade Ndigbo unopposed.”
Asserting a loss of credibility, IPOB declared: “With this development, Amnesty International Nigeria has diminished its credibility as a reliable human rights organisation… Amnesty International Nigeria has become entangled in the corruption and bribery of the Nigerian government.”
Calling the organization’s conduct a betrayal, IPOB stated: “Amnesty International’s involvement with this corrupt coalition of organisations to extort IPOB and its vigilante groups is a shame for the human rights community…”
“If Amnesty International Nigeria is free from corruption… they would have demanded an independent inquiry into these horrific terrorist assaults… and might not have rushed to conclusions.”
Restating its mission, the group emphasized: “We have never targeted our recognised adversaries, much less harm innocent individuals travelling from Okigwe to Owerri within our region.”
“We will proceed with all the aspects of truth and we will persist in demanding an independent inquiry into all state-sponsored covert violent acts…”
IPOB reiterated its demand for dialogue, not suppression: “We will not yield to any type of extortion. The sole answer to the Biafra agitation is an open dialogue regarding Biafra’s freedom or a referendum, rather than through violence or staged false flag operations.”
By Anthony Ogbekile
