IPOB Accuses Nigerian Government of Orchestrating Sit-at-Home Enforcement to Discredit the Movement, Suppress the South-East, and Justify Crackdown on Pro-Biafra Agitation
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has leveled accusations against the Nigerian government and military, alleging a deliberate campaign to exploit the controversial Monday sit-at-home order to undermine the group’s credibility. In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group asserted that security forces are actively contributing to the enforcement of the sit-at-home, despite IPOB’s official suspension of the directive.
IPOB contends that the government’s actions are designed to incite public animosity towards the movement, attributing economic disruptions to IPOB. The group maintains that its members, alongside the Eastern Security Network (ESN), are dedicated to safeguarding the South-East from external security threats. They further allege that criminal elements, falsely operating under the IPOB banner, have been responsible for acts of violence in the region.
“The Nigerian Army and Police have been patrolling rural communities on Mondays, and some youths have been arrested, which contributes to the enforcement of sit-at-home,” the statement reads. “IPOB had suspended the order after its first successful compliance and has consistently condemned any form of violent enforcement.”
IPOB claims that the only viable resolution to the sit-at-home issue is the unconditional release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the initiation of dialogue. The group has called upon the Nigerian government to redirect its focus towards addressing broader security challenges in other regions of the country, rather than suppressing civil actions in the South-East.
“If the Nigerian Army is truly committed to national security, they should also focus on addressing broader security challenges affecting other regions,” IPOB stated.
The group urged the federal government and South-East governors to engage in meaningful discussions with the populace, instead of resorting to forceful measures. IPOB reiterated its commitment to non-violent principles and called for the government to acknowledge the legitimate concerns of the Igbo people.
“The Nigerian government should engage in dialogue and consider peaceful solutions,” the statement added. “The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will address many of the concerns leading to the sit-at-home.”
The Monday sit-at-home protests, initially declared by IPOB in 2021 to demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release, have persisted despite the group’s suspension, leading to ongoing disruptions and security concerns in the South-East. While efforts to restore normalcy are underway, many businesses and residents continue to observe the sit-at-home due to lingering safety concerns. The government’s response to IPOB’s demands and its efforts to stabilize the region remain under close observation.
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 has leveled accusations against the Nigerian government and military, alleging a deliberate campaign to exploit the controversial Monday sit-at-home order to undermine the group's credibility. In a statement issued by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group asserted that security forces are actively contributing to the enforcement of the sit-at-home, despite IPOB's official suspension of the directive.){kind=link}