Human rights lawyer and lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has warned criminal elements in the South-East against hijacking the region’s liberation struggle for violent and criminal purposes.
In a statement released on Saturday titled “The South-East Must Never Bleed Again: The Peril of False Labels, Criminal Impunity, and the Collective Duty to Defend Peace,” Ejiofor said he has repeatedly spoken against individuals who have turned the quest for self-determination into a cycle of violence, extortion, fear, and killings.
He explained that despite facing criticism, threats, and being declared unwelcome in some circles, he continued to speak out against what he described as “merchants of violence” exploiting the Biafra cause.
Ejiofor said recent videos allegedly showing armed groups threatening to make the South-East ungovernable again, as well as reported incidents in communities like Umulolo and Arondizuogu, should be taken seriously by all concerned.
The lawyer was reacting to viral social media clips by armed groups claiming loyalty to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and warning of fresh violence in the region if he is not released.
He also condemned attempts to label every criminal actor in the South-East as an IPOB member without proper facts, warning that such false classifications could deepen tensions.
Ejiofor stressed that insecurity often disguises itself under noble causes and propaganda, urging the people of the South-East to remain vigilant and protect the peace in the region.
BACKSTORY…
The warning comes amid renewed tension in the South-East, where concerns are growing over the resurgence of violence linked to separatist agitation and criminal activities.
Since the arrest and continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, the region has witnessed repeated unrest, including sit-at-home orders, attacks on security formations, and killings blamed on armed groups. While Indigenous People of Biafra has often denied involvement in many violent incidents, authorities have consistently linked some of the unrest to separatist elements.
In recent days, videos of armed men claiming loyalty to Kanu surfaced online, threatening fresh violence if he is not released. Those developments have sparked fresh fears of instability, prompting voices like Ifeanyi Ejiofor to caution against allowing criminal elements to exploit the Biafra struggle as cover for violence and insecurity.
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