NNEWI — The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) has fiercely criticized Amnesty International Nigeria over what it described as a “hasty and unfounded” conclusion linking the group and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) to a recent attack on civilians along Okigwe-Owerri road in Imo State.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPoB accused Amnesty International Nigeria of losing credibility due to alleged alignment with the Nigerian federal government. The group claimed that the human rights organization had abandoned objectivity and was now complicit in media-driven campaigns to tarnish IPoB’s image.
“The Nigerian government has repeatedly carried out terrorist attacks against its own people just to coerce IPoB into submission,” the statement alleged. “Amnesty International Nigeria has joined in a media blackmail to accuse IPoB and ESN without evidence.”
The pro-Biafra group condemned the May 8 incident in Imo State where gunmen attacked and allegedly killed several individuals, torching properties along the Okigwe-Owerri road. IPoB denounced the violence and accused the government of using the tragedy as a tool for propaganda.
Referring to previous incidents, including the assassination of political figures and the attack on the Owerri Correctional Centre, IPoB insisted that the Nigerian state and its affiliates were responsible for staging violent acts and later blaming the separatist group.
Emma Powerful further accused security forces and affiliated militia groups like Ebubeagu of perpetrating violence in the South East under the guise of fighting crime, alleging extrajudicial killings and community destruction.
The group called for international and independent investigations into all such incidents and dismissed the credibility of Amnesty International Nigeria, describing its actions as part of a “corrupt alliance” targeting pro-Biafra groups.
IPoB reiterated that its mission is peaceful and centered on self-determination through dialogue and referendum, not violence.
“We are committed to protecting Biafran lives and properties, not harming them,” the statement said. “The only solution to the Biafra agitation is open dialogue, not false flag operations or media blackmail.”
