Pascal Arogorn Ibe
An Igbo socio-cultural organization, Nzuko Umunna has called for concerted efforts toward the de-proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This is also as the group alleged that Nigerian security forces may be hiding under the excuse of proscription of IPOB to commit extrajudicial killing in Igbo land.
This was contained in a letter the group wrote to the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo group, Chief Nnia John Nwodo.
The group noted the recent gruesome killing at Emene, Enugu State of many Igbo youths allegedly suspected to be members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
The group regretted that the continued bloodletting by security agencies especially among the ranks of Igbo youths suspected to be members of IPOB, has largely gone unchallenged.
The letter read in part: “What is more, these killings seem to have become more frenzied on the heels of the highly controversial proscription of IPOB in January 2018. It has become apparent that the security agencies now use the controversial proscription as a veritable excuse and smokescreen not only to unleash mayhem on unarmed Igbo youths, but to also escape justice in the light of these grave extra-judicial killings.
“It is highly instructive that IPOB has always professed a commitment to non-violence.
“We note that similar organisations in Nigeria including the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Arewa Youths Forum (AYF) have neither witnessed the level of onslaught unleashed on IPOB members nor has the Federal Government made any move to proscribe them.”
In the letter signed by Ngozi Odumuko (Co-ordinator) and Paschal Mbanefo (Secretary), the group argued that in an era when rampaging killer-herdsmen are roaming around with sophisticated weapons including AK-47 rifles unchallenged by security agencies, “it is unacceptable that a group that has consistently professed non-violence should be shut out from exercising its rights as secured by Nigeria’s Constitution”.
The group further raised the alarm that the unrestrained bloodletting among Igbo youths by the security agencies may worsen in the build-up to the next general elections.
While noting that the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination are secured under International Law and by sundry United Nations instruments and convention, the group urged Chief Nnia Nwodo and Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership to use their good offices to mobilize men and women of goodwill towards the de-proscription of IPOB.
“This will stem this continued bloodletting among Igbo youths and ensure accountability within the IPOB ranks, as the activities of its members will not be carried out in a covert manner”, the letter read.
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