Separationist planned to proclaim a New Biafra in December
By Ebere Inyama (Owerri)
Residents of Owerri, the capital of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria reportedly organised impromptu rallies on November 20, 2024 in celebration of the arrest and imprisonment of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities.
Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, is famous as an exiled promoter of the separationist movement known as Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which aims to restore the defunct Republic of Biafra, a country which seceded from Nigeria in 1967, prior to the Nigerian Civil War and was subsequently dissolved following its defeat in 1970. He was convicted by the Päijät-Häme District Court for spreading terrorist propaganda and inciting violence in Nigeria’s southeast through social media platforms.
Ekpa came to the limelight on July 8, 2021 when he was nominated to broadcast in Radio Biafra (an online radio through which the leadership of IPOB communicates to Biafrans all over the world).
Shortly after his nomination as a broadcaster in Radio Biafra, Ekpa hijacked the internal machinery of the IPOB, collaborated with some key officials of the group and collected all the funds in their bank accounts as reported by TruthNigeria on July 24, 2024.
“Having gained access to large sums of money belonging to the IPOB, Ekpa, proclaimed himself as ‘Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE)’, and went on air to announce that the Monday sit–at–homes should continue despite its annulment by the IPOB central command, according to a South African– based member of IPOB, Mr. ‘Onyenso’, during an interview with TruthNigeria. (Monday sit–at-home refers to the weekly work strikes by Biafrans aimed at compelling the Nigerian government to release the detained IPOB leader, Namdi Kanu, from detention)
Ekpa used part of IPOB’s money to commence the recruitment of dozens of followers whose job is to enforce the already suspended sit–at–home order.
175 security personnel killed in the Southeast in two years
At least, 128 policemen and 37 military personnel have been killed while 164 police stations were attacked by the armed wing of the separatist group, Eastern Security Network (ESN) between 2020 and 2021, according to a statement by Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation
In addition to the casualties recorded among the police and the army, the separatist group masquerading as “Unknown Gunmen” have killed 15 Civil Defense Officers, 31 community policing members and more than 100 unarmed civilians, according to a statement made by The Brigade Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Imo State, Brig. Gen. Raymond Utsaha.
The famous attack on Maduike Uchenna of Orji, Owerri
We would recall that on April 9, 2023, one Mr Uchenna Maduike of Orji Owerri, was fiercely attacked by men very well believed to be of the Biafra movement. At the time of this notable attack which happened in the home of Uchenna, details were not spread publicly, because details were not crystal clear as to why this young man received such a visit. Although, certain reports did confirm that Uchenna Maduike was on the run from his assigned role within the ranks of the movement, hence the attacks from the group that he was supposed to be a part of.
We have got unconfirmed reports that after numerous other attacks and threats to life on Uchenna, he fled Nigeria to seek refuge in a foreign land. As at the time of this report, we do not have further details on these reports.
We wonder if the arrest of Simon Ekpa will really reduce the unwarranted killings of innocent citizens. We shall all keenly wait to see.
The famous attack on Maduike Uchenna of Orji, Owerri
I am sure that we would recall the recent infamous bloodshed in Awka. How that on Sunday, October 20, 2024, the annual New Yam festival in Nibo community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State turned to a festival of blood when no fewer than 13 people were killed by suspected cult groups.
The suspects were said to have invaded a drinking bar, near Oye Nwochichi Market, by Nibo Old Maternity, close to the venue of the New Yam festival, and opened fire on the people having fun there, killing about eight persons instantly, before proceeding to another locality near Eke Nibo Market, where they also recorded some casualties.
It was a free flow of bloodshed in Nibo, a community close to the Governor’s Lodge, the residence of the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo. Just like Nibo, Nodu-Okpuno community, also in Awka South LGA, witnessed bloodshed when about three persons
Igbo leaders express support for Ekpa’s arrest
Following the arrest and imprisonment of Simon Ekpa, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, hailed the bold step taken by the government of Finland. (The Igbos are a tribe in Nigeria that occupy the southeastern part of the country)
In a statement on Thursday, November 21, 2024, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mr. Okechukwu Isiguzoro, expressed happiness over Ekpa’s arrest.
“The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, takes this momentous occasion to announce our unequivocal relief and support in light of the recent arrest of Simon Njoku Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran independence movement, the statement began.
“Upon this crucial arrest, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically denounces the notion that individuals like Simon Ekpa possess the capability or legitimacy to summon the Igbo Nation into a conflict.
“This organisation acknowledges Ekpa’s disturbing record over the last three years, wherein he has systematically wreaked havoc upon the very fabric of our society and economy, implementing his illegitimate Monday Sit-At-Home directive with the aid of armed men who have terrorized our communities.
“The financial toll from these activities is staggering, amounting to a loss of over 22 trillion naira ( $ 12.7 billion) in investment opportunities, thereby stifling the economic viability of our region,” the statement read.
