BY FOLASHADE KEHINDE
THE Indigenous People of Biafra has distanced itself and the Eastern Security Network from the series of kidnappings and killings in Imo State.
The proscribed group said on Tuesday that it was not involved in the “dastardly acts and barbarity”, noting that the killings were planned to demonise IPOB volunteers and ESN personnel.
These were contained in a statement by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful.
“The general public should understand that those behind the orgy of kidnapping and barbaric killings in Imo have no link whatesover with the ESN inaugurated by our leader in December 2020,” the group said.
It said the “genocide” was planned to unleash mayhem on the people in the perpetrators’ desperation to demonise ESN personnel and IPOB volunteers.
“We have nothing in common with agents of death, and we don’t engage in barbarities and cannibalism of sorts.
“What is happening in Imo particularly in Orsuihiteukwa, Nnempi, Ibiasoegbe, Awo-Mmamma, Orlu, Oru East, Oru West, Nkwere and their environs including Orsumoghu and entire Ihiala LGA of Anambra State are the original plans to demonise Biafra agitators and ESN operatives and tag them as criminals but unfortunately their plan failed.
“IPOB/ESN operatives don’t engage in raping and kidnapping. That’s not part of their mandate. They are out to defend them (Imolites) against terrorists and criminal herdsmen,” IPOB spokesperson noted.
