The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Ndigbo in Nigeria and abroad to return home for the Christmas holidays, insisting that the South-East remains safe and peaceful despite years of security challenges.
In a statement on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful described the South-East as Nigeria’s “most tranquil region,” claiming that security has improved significantly despite what he called four years of “sponsored instability.” He urged Igbo returnees not to be deterred by “propaganda” targeting IPOB and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to Powerful, ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will provide security throughout the festive season, ensuring residents and visitors enjoy a peaceful Christmas.
“The worldwide family of IPOB, under the guidance of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urges Ndigbo at home and abroad to come back for Christmas. ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security across the region,” he said.
He encouraged returnees to take advantage of the season to invest in the South-East, stressing that the calmness being experienced is rooted in the peaceful nature of Ndigbo.
IPOB also dismissed social media reports alleging mass abductions along the Owerri–Aba Expressway at Ngor Okpala. Powerful described the circulated footage as “old” and “false,” insisting that the region has not witnessed continuous killings or kidnappings.
He alleged that the Federal Government and some Igbo politicians have made attempts to destabilize IPOB and ESN but said such efforts have failed.
Powerful urged Ndigbo to ignore fear-inducing narratives and return home in large numbers, assuring that the region is prepared to welcome them for the Yuletide.
“We encourage our people to come home, celebrate with their families, and invest in our homeland. Do not allow false insecurity narratives to discourage you,” he concluded.
