NIGERIA: IPOB Criticises Soludo Over Kidnapping Remarks

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Indigenous People of Biafra has criticised Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, for allegedly linking the rising cases of kidnapping in the South East to Igbo youths.

The group described the governor’s comments as inflammatory and dangerous, warning that such statements could endanger innocent lives.

Soludo had reportedly told a gathering of Anambra indigenes in Maryland, United States, that 99 per cent of arrested kidnappers in the state were Igbos and not Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement on Thursday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the remark could be used as justification for security agencies and suspected Fulani militias to attack Igbo youths.

He said Soludo’s public statement, which he claimed lacked investigative proof, was provocative and could fuel further insecurity in the region.

“This utterance has become the green light for security operatives and Fulani-backed militias to begin another round of killings and abductions of innocent youths in the South East,” the statement said.

IPOB warned that such generalisations could lead to extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and violent crackdowns under the guise of security operations.

The group questioned the governor’s leadership, asking why he would accuse his own people in the face of repeated attacks by armed herdsmen.

It alleged that Soludo was making the claim to win favour from the ruling class, even if it meant sacrificing the safety of his own people.

IPOB also challenged the governor to present a single verified investigation or conviction to support his claim.

It reiterated that the group remains a peaceful movement seeking self-determination and has no ties to criminal activity.

The group further accused Soludo of quietly working against the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, despite previously making public calls for his freedom.

IPOB urged residents of Anambra and the wider South East to remain alert and identify those working against their collective interest.