The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a resolute statement reaffirming its commitment to maintain its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
In response to assertions by Nigerian security agencies about the existence of IPOB camps in the forest, the secessionist group’s spokesperson, Mr Emma Powerful, released a press release on Monday to address the matter.
IPOB vehemently refuted claims that it had established camps in forests within Anambra and other Southeastern states, dismissing such allegations as government propaganda aimed at linking criminal hideouts to the group. The statement emphasized that IPOB would resist any attempt to falsely attribute criminal activities to its ranks.
Powerful pointed out that the Eastern Security Network was established to safeguard the South East region from the threat posed by rampaging Fulani herdsmen, citing its success in protecting farmlands and communities. He underscored that ESN had contributed significantly to the safety of the region, preventing incursions by criminal elements.
“ESN exists to keep the East safe from the ravages of killer herdsmen now plaguing the entire middle belt and people like them.
“Since the launch of ESN by our Supreme Leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU, the main objective of ensuring the safety of farmlands in the East has been accomplished. Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen have had no locus to operate in our farmlands and territory.
“The mischievous mischaracterisation of the activities of ESN that saved the entire south-east and south-south from the murderous onslaught of killer herdsmen now ravaging Benue State and Plateau axis should not be trivialised by attributing any alleged criminal hideout to ESN.
“ESN Operatives have no criminal camps. We know there is a concerted effort by those seeking the weakening of ESN in order to launch a murderous invasion of the East under the guise of a farmer/herder clash.
“Had it not been for ESN, Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen would have taken Enugu, Anambra Ebonyi, Imo and Abia States.
“ESN has come to stay with Biafrans and nothing will change the objectives of the outfit,” Powerful stated.
