News
IPOB Blames Army, Police, Uzodinma For Imo Killings
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) said the Nigerian Army, Police Force, and Governor Hope Uzodinma were responsible for the innocent killings in Imo State.
A statement by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, noted that the security agencies peddled false reports regarding the residents of the state to paint a negative picture of them.
The statement read in part, “Following the frustration and lack of professionalism by the Nigerian security agencies, they have as usual resorted to lies and propaganda to deceive the gullible minds.
“The Nigerian Army and police parading and killing innocent citizens in Imo State have started with falsehood to demonise their innocent victims. They can only deceive those who don’t know what is happening in Imo State since Hope Uzodinma and his APC party turned Imo State into an abattoir for innocent Biafrans.
“Nigerian security agents and Ebubeagu security members recruited by Hope Uzodinma were operating and killing innocent citizens in Imo State have lied again that they repelled Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives who allegedly besieged the palace of Eze Emmanuel Okeke of Amaifeke in Orlu LGA Imo State.
IPOB added that it had no grouse with monarchs in the South-East, against what the security agencies are peddling as a hunt on the traditional institution.
IPOB stated that the community policing network, known as Ebubeagu, under the direction of Uzodinma, lied that it repelled operatives of the ESN after allegedly holding siege to a palace.
“This is another blatant lie from the pit of hell. IPOB/ESN operatives have no issues with traditional rulers in Biafraland but Nigeria army and police are trying to create the wrong impression that we are hunting the monarchs,” IPOB stated.
However, IPOB has warned those behind incessant attacks in the South-East, saying “they (criminal elements) have as usual resorted to lies and propaganda to deceive the gullible minds”.
Exonerating itself from the killings in the region, the group through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, yesterday, said they have no hands in the spate of killings and abductions in any part of South-East.
The group claimed some criminal elements parading as security agents were the ones behind the incessant killings in a bid to demonise IPOB.
“It is true that we criticise some traitors among our people, including politicians, traditional rulers, and even fake religious leaders.
“Our condemnation of their unpatriotic actions against Biafra has not got to the level of going after any of them.
“Maybe very soon these criminals behind the bloodletting in our land will start going after religious leaders and blame their abominable act on IPOB and ESN.”
“The recent confession by Rochas Okorocha has vindicated us.
“Some wicked people in collaboration with the security agents are the masterminds of the insecurity in our land.
“Many buildings were burnt down in Umutanze, Amaifeke in Orlu and Orsu by compromised security agents in Imo. This madness must stop,” the group added.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr Emma Powerful, has confirmed that the group had banned recitation of the Nigerian national anthem in schools in the South-East region.
It would be recalled that IPOB, had last Monday, apart from banning the national anthem in schools, also banned the use of Fulani cows during festive seasons in the region.
Speaking with newsmen, yesterday, Powerful said the order came from the “head of directorate and leadership of the group as led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
He, however, explained that he would expatiate with further details more information as regards the directive, yesterday.
Powerful, who denied the group’s involvement in the killings and kidnappings of some monarchs in the South-East, said “shedding of blood” is not included in their mandate, but rather, the emancipation of its people from slavery.
He said, “Yes, our head of directorate and leadership made it so that Nigeria national anthem should be banned in schools, including the use of Fulani cows during festive season.
“We will work out mechanisms to ensure compliance in a non-violent manner. We are freedom fighters working for the emancipation of our people from slavery as led by our leader, MNK. We are not a violent or terrorist group.
“We are putting heads together for a more robust deliberation and before the end of the day; further details would be put out in the public domain.
“This campaign will be tagged the ‘Prisoner of conscience campaign’ and all IPOB family members, Biafrans and friends of Biafra are expected to key into this campaign.”
Also, the Indigenous People of Biafra has made known its intention to create an Education Department that would teach Igbo history in schools.
In a New Year statement signed by the group’s Head of Directorate of State, Chika Edoziem, IPOB stated that three books are ready for publication to support this effort.
“We have about three books that will be published this new year in furtherance of this. After the head of this department is made public, Biafran writers will be called upon to bring forward books and educational materials to be published for our children in primary and secondary schools,” the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, IPOB has stated that it would start a worldwide campaign for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is detained by the Nigerian government on charges of treason.
This came in a statement signed by Edoziem and IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, which outlined the group’s activities for the year 2022.
The proscribed group added that it would take the campaign to embassies and international governments and organisations to spread its message.
The statement read in part, “Secondly all IPOB families worldwide are hereby directed to activate the earlier instruction passed down to them. We shall embark on a worldwide protest in cities and capitals around the world.
“The campaign will be called, ‘The Prisoner of Conscience Campaign’. In furtherance of this campaign, all IPOB family members, Biafrans and friends of Biafra are hereby urged to change their profile pictures on social media with our official campaign poster.
“The focus of our protest shall be British Embassies, the British Parliament, 10 Downing Street, the Kenyan Embassies, the Nigerian Embassies and international organisations like the UN, the EU, Amnesty International and media houses.”
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.
-
Women4 days ago
Justice Prevails Over Osinachi’s Death
-
Rivers4 days agoBook Title “Managing Projects Successfully” Launch In Port Harcourt
-
Politics4 days ago
Enugu LP Loses Pub Sec To PDP
-
Nation3 days agoHYPREP Inducts 100 Ogoni Youths For Creative Arts Training
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Diri Recommits To Support For Security Agencies …Cautions AIG, Sacks Youth Exco
-
Nation4 days agoOgun, Nike Art Gallery Set To Transform Olumo Rock
-
Social/Kiddies4 days ago
Need For Girl-Child Education In Society
-
Rivers4 days ago
Citizenship Participation Key to Achieving True Democratic Government