The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers in Lagos state, as well as Afenifere leaders and Gani Adams, to stop the attacks on Igbos in the region. The group urged the leaders to prevent those seeking to ignite an ethnic war in Lagos and the Southwest from doing so.
According to IPOB, there is a plot to pitch Igbos against Yorubas in the region. The group has therefore urged Igbos in Lagos and the Southwest to defend themselves against any form of ethnic agenda.
In a statement, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful called on the Lagos State Governor, Yoruba traditional rulers, opinion molders, politicians, Afenifere leaders, and Gani Adams to do all that is necessary to stop the criminals and their sponsors from attacking and bullying Igbos doing legitimate business in Lagos. Powerful also urged Igbo leaders and traditional rulers to speak out to their Yoruba counterparts.
IPOB warned that the political thugs and criminals hired to terrorize and burn down properties belonging to Igbos should know that they have no monopoly on violence and must be prepared to receive at least as much as they give.
The group also cautioned that nobody should blame Ndigbo and the youths for defending themselves against ethnic cleansing and impoverishment agenda.
IPOB stated that it was making these requests in good faith so that there would be no misunderstanding between Igbos and their host community in the region.
