The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) has rejected accusations that it and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), are behind the wave of violence and kidnappings plaguing Imo State, pointing to a newly circulated video as proof of its non-involvement.
In a statement released Wednesday, IPoB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, described a clip featuring an individual known only as “Gentle Yahoo” who claims to have been recruited into criminal gangs operating in Imo. “This video confirms our long-standing position,” Powerful said. “Attempts have been made to smear IPoB, ESN, and our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by linking us to acts we do not condone.”
For years, security agencies and local officials have blamed separatist militants for ambushes on roads, abductions and extortion in the southeast. Imo’s governor last month warned of “external elements” stoking unrest, while police raids have targeted suspected IPoB strongholds. Yet, officials have never produced conclusive evidence tying the organisation to specific attacks.
Powerful urged journalists and the public to scrutinise the new footage carefully before drawing conclusions. “We expect responsible media and public institutions to avoid hastily labeling IPoB or ESN,” she said. “Instead, let investigations reveal the real perpetrators of violence in our communities.”
IPoB reiterated that its mission remains strictly peaceful, centred on advocating for self-determination through dialogue. The group appealed for greater transparency from Imo’s government and security forces in how they gather intelligence and make arrests. “Residents deserve clarity and justice,” the statement added, calling on citizens to demand an impartial inquiry into the sources of criminality.
As Imo grapples with nightly curfews and the suspension of public gatherings, the video of “Gentle Yahoo” has injected fresh uncertainty into an already fraught security discourse. Whether it will prompt authorities to widen their probe beyond separatist suspects, or merely shift suspicion toward shadowy profit-driven militias, remains to be seen. In the meantime, IPoB insists its name be cleared before peace can take root in the troubled region.
