The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Ndigbo both in Nigeria and the Diaspora to return home for Christmas celebrations, assuring them of security and peace throughout the South-East during the festive season.
In a statement on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful described the South-East as Nigeria’s “most tranquil” region, noting that security conditions have improved significantly despite what he called “sponsored instability” over the past four years.
Powerful urged Igbos not to be misled by “propaganda” against IPOB and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), stressing that both organizations, with community support, have played a key role in maintaining relative calm.
“The global family of IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, encourages Ndigbo planning to return home for Christmas to do so safely, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security across the entire South-East region,” he said.
He added that the inherent peacefulness of the Igbo people has contributed to the stability of the region and encouraged returnees to consider investing in their homeland during the festive period.
Powerful also refuted viral social media claims about passenger kidnappings at Ngor Okpala along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, labeling the footage as “old” and “false.”
“The absence of ongoing killings and abductions in the South-East is proof that there are ‘Lions’ safeguarding the land,” he stated, explaining that ESN operations are conducted discreetly and do not have official social media accounts.
He further accused the Federal Government and some Igbo politicians of attempts to undermine IPOB and ESN, insisting that the Biafra restoration movement remains “a sacred initiative.”
Powerful concluded by urging Ndigbo to ignore fear-driven narratives about insecurity and return home in large numbers for Christmas.
“Celebrate with your families, invest in your homeland, and do not let fear or false insecurity reports deter you,” he added.
