Biafra: We’re ready for talks on referendum, says IPOB

In what appears to be a U-turn in its approach, a pro-Biafran group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group is now ready to negotiate with the Federal Government. In another development, the police in Anambra on Saturday rescued a kidnapped Catholic priest and three other hostages unhurt through the efforts of its special squad team IPOB in a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Saturday, alleged that the group had lost over 5,000 members and properties worth over $1bn as a result of the extreme use of force from the Nigerian security forces. IPOB is now calling for a peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a United Nations-supervised referendum. IPOB in a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Saturday, alleged that the group had lost over 5,000 members and properties worth over $1bn as a result of the extreme use of force from the Nigerian security forces. IPOB is now calling for a peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a United Nations-supervised referendum. We the global family and movement of IPOB wish to reiterate once again that IPOB remains peaceful and open for negotiations and dialogue on the peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a UN-supervised Referendum. “IPOB’s peaceful agitation for Biafra Independence started in 2012. Never has IPOB been associated with violence or criminality in all our years of rallies and protests. Nevertheless, the Federal Government, through its security forces, has levied war against IPOB. Our members have been brutally attacked while on a peaceful protest by the Nigerian security forces at many locations in Biafra Land. As a result of these unwarranted attacks, many IPOB members have been murdered in cold blood, some have been permanently handicapped, some forcefully taken away by the security forces whereas some are still illegally detained in various detention facilities across Nigeria.” Kidnapped Catholic priest, three others rescued Speaking on the rescued kidnapped victims, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, in a statement signed and made available to newsmen, said the hostages were rescued unhurt through the efforts of its special squad team. Ikenga said the rescue was activated by its team, Forward Operating Base (FOB), comprising military and paramilitary services based in Aguata and supported by Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu. He said in a well-coordinated operation, the team stormed the insurgents’ camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and rescued the victims. The statement further stated that three suspects were arrested during the operation, nine vehicles and three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms, and a Biafra flag were recovered. Ikenga said that several phones, flash drives, and SIM cards, which could aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the offenders were also found. He said that the gang had been responsible for the spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata council area in recent times. According to the police image maker, the abducted victims were all kidnapped in October, stating that the raid on the insurgents’ camp followed months of diligent, painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation which led to uncovering the criminals’ hideout. The PPRO noted further that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, ordered and coordinated the operation, and praised all the service personnel and vigilante men involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost.