The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, of deliberately escalating tension in the state, alleging that the recent closure of Onitsha Main Market was aimed at undermining its agitation for a Biafran state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB condemned the deployment of security forces, including armoured vehicles and heavily armed police personnel, to enforce the one-week shutdown of the popular market.
Governor Soludo had ordered the temporary closure of Onitsha Main Market after traders reportedly failed to resume business on Monday, in compliance with the sit-at-home directive observed across parts of the South-East.
Reacting to the development, IPOB described the security operation as excessive and provocative, alleging that the presence of armed personnel endangered civilians and heightened fear among traders and residents.
The group claimed that the enforcement exercise amounted to an attempt to intimidate peaceful protesters and warned that such actions could worsen insecurity in the state rather than restore order.
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IPOB further alleged that Nigerian authorities often initiate confrontations and later attribute resulting violence to the group and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a claim the government has consistently denied.
Calling on human rights organisations and the international community to intervene, IPOB urged security agencies to refrain from what it described as the use of force against unarmed civilians.
The separatist group reiterated its position that it remains committed to a non-violent approach and continues to seek a political resolution through dialogue and a referendum on self-determination.
It also appealed to its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding despite what it termed provocation by state authorities, insisting that violence does not align with its objectives.
The Anambra State Government and security agencies are yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
