Lay Down Arms, Surrender, Group Urges IPOB

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has called on the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to lay down their arms and surrender to the federal government.

The group also urged IPOB promoters to repeat the historic Biafra surrender to the federal government on January 13, 1970, which marked the end of Nigeria’s civil war.

PeacePro, in a statement commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the Biafra’s surrender to the federal government, emphasised the importance of respecting the peace agreement that prioritised reconciliation and national unity.

The statement signed by the executive director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamsat was made available to LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, Kwara State yesterday.

The group noted that  IPOB’s armed struggle and violent approach contradict the peaceful resolution embraced by Biafran leaders five decades ago.

PeacePro reminded IPOB that the federal government’s declaration of “no victor, no vanquished ” laid the foundation for rebuilding and reintegration, urging the group to choose dialogue over conflict.

“The continued pursuit of violence by IPOB dishonours the memory of those who chose peace to stop further bloodshed in the South East during the Biafra war,” it  stated.

PeacePro also criticised call for the unconditional release of IPOB leader,  Nnamdi Kanu without a commitment to peace, describing it as a misguided approach that cannot achieve lasting stability or development.

“True peace and progress require acknowledgment of mistakes and a change in approach. IPOB’s violent activities have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and devastated the economy of the Southeast,” the group noted.

It called on IPOB to recognise that sustainable peace is built on non-violent advocacy and peaceful negotiation, aligning with democratic principles and respect for human life.