IPOB Urges Ndigbo To Celebrate Christmas In South-East, Assures Of Security, Peace

The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Ndigbo in Nigeria and across the Diaspora to return home for the Christmas celebrations, assuring them of safety and peace across the South-East during the Yuletide.

In a statement on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the South-East remained Nigeria’s “most tranquil” region, claiming that security conditions have significantly improved despite what he described as “sponsored instability” in the last four years.

Powerful urged Igbo people not to be swayed by what he termed “propaganda” against IPOB and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), stressing that both groups, with the support of the people, have played crucial roles in maintaining relative calm in the region.

“The worldwide family and movement of the IPOB, expertly guided by our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urges Ndigbo in Nigeria and abroad who plan to come home for the Christmas festivities to do so, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security throughout the entire South-East region,” Powerful stated.

He added that the South-East has remained largely peaceful because Ndigbo are “inherently peaceful” people, and encouraged returnees to take advantage of the festive season to invest in their homeland.

“The South-East region is Nigeria’s most tranquil area. Despite the sponsored instability in the region over the last four years, the security conditions have notably enhanced,” he said.

IPOB also dismissed viral social media reports alleging the kidnapping of passengers at Ngor Okpala along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, describing the footage circulated as “old” and “false.”

“The absence of continuous killings and abductions in the South-East region serves as evidence that there are ‘Lions’ guarding the land,” Powerful said, adding that ESN operations are conducted discreetly and have no official social media accounts.

The spokesperson accused the Federal Government and some Igbo politicians of attempting, unsuccessfully, to “break up” IPOB and ESN, insisting that the Biafra restoration struggle remains “a sacred initiative.”

Powerful urged Ndigbo to ignore fear-mongering narratives about insecurity and return home in large numbers for Christmas, emphasizing that the South-East is ready to welcome them peacefully.

“We encourage our people to come home, celebrate with their families, and invest in our homeland. Do not let fear or false insecurity narratives discourage you,” he concluded.