By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Enugu State Government of tolerating attacks on opposition political gatherings in the state, warning that the alleged violence must not be linked to its planned boycott of the 2027 general elections.
The group made the allegation in a statement on Monday by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS).
Nwaọgụ alleged that political gatherings organised by opposition groups, particularly in Nkanu West Local Government Area, had been attacked by suspected thugs, resulting in injuries and destruction of property.
The allegation comes amid reported attacks on an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally venue at Agbani, both in Nkanu West, on September 12.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incidents and ordered an investigation. Police said armed hoodlums allegedly opened sporadic gunfire at the NDC meeting, injuring two attendees, while canopies and chairs prepared for the PDP rally were destroyed.
The Enugu State Government has not publicly responded to IPOB’s latest accusation. However, the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied any involvement by the party, its leaders or the state government in the reported attack and called for an impartial investigation.
Describing the reported attacks as unacceptable, Nwaọgụ said political gatherings of opponents had become targets of violence.
“Governor Peter Mbah’s political space has become a theatre of thugs disrupting rallies and ward meetings of opponents. Opposition gatherings in Nkanu West have been invaded. People have been shot. Canopies and chairs have been destroyed.”
He added that the police had confirmed the attacks while the APC had denied responsibility, saying, “The pattern is what matters.”
The IPOB official, however, distanced the organisation from political violence and warned against associating its proposed election boycott with attacks on political gatherings.
“IPOB is against every form of violence,” he said.
“A boycott is not a licence to disrupt rallies. A boycott is not a licence to unleash thugs.”
IPOB Reaffirms Election Boycott
Nwaọgụ reiterated IPOB’s position that it would boycott the 2027 general elections, linking the decision to the continued detention and legal proceedings involving Kanu.
IPOB had earlier given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to ensure that Kanu’s pending appeal was listed and heard, warning that failure to do so could trigger mobilisation for an election boycott across the South-East and other areas it identifies as Biafraland.
Nwaọgụ said the organisation would maintain the boycott if the appeal was not heard.
“The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise,” he said.
“Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government. Tell them to list and hear Onyendu’s appeal. Time is going.”
He added: “If they refuse, there will be a total boycott of the coming elections across Biafraland and beyond.”
Nwaọgụ also urged IPOB members and supporters to remain disciplined.
“Stay disciplined. Do not give them the riot they are praying for,” he said.
IPOB Raises Concerns Over Deaths of Miners
The statement also addressed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Nwaọgụ criticised the circumstances surrounding the deaths and questioned the ability of government institutions to protect people in custody.
His comments followed widespread controversy over the deaths, which triggered protests in Minna and prompted President Bola Tinubu to order investigations and suspend senior NSCDC officials.
“If this is how they treat boys accused of digging for gold, do not ask us why we refuse to trust them with Onyendu, or with our missing sons in the East,” he said.
International Campaign for Kanu’s Release
Nwaọgụ also referred to what he described as international efforts to secure Kanu’s release, including a letter reportedly written by Israeli Knesset member MK Afef Abed to United Nations officials on September 1, 2026.
According to him, the letter called for implementation of UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 25/2022 concerning Kanu’s detention.
He also cited previous interventions by United States Congressman John James and developments in Catalonia as part of IPOB’s international campaign.
Nwaọgụ said IPOB would continue supporting people detained or injured in connection with the separatist movement.
“Our lawyers have commenced the appeals of those illegally detained. Those injured are receiving treatment. Prison outreach continues in Igweocha, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki,” he said.
He further restated IPOB’s opposition to its proscription and said the group’s appeal against the order remained pending before the Supreme Court.
Nwaọgụ also advanced legal arguments concerning Kanu’s conviction, citing provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
He argued that the relevant provisions did not support Kanu’s conviction and accused the government and judiciary of failing to advance the pending proceedings. Those claims were presented by IPOB and were not independently established in the statement.
“Section 36(12) has already answered the question. No written law defining the offence and prescribing the punishment — no conviction,” he said.
IPOB Calls for Unity
Beyond the election boycott, Nwaọgụ called for greater unity among groups within the Biafran movement, saying IPOB would continue engaging groups it considered genuine members of the movement.
He said the organisation would work towards a more structured movement and resist what he described as attempts to create divisions within IPOB.
Nwaọgụ concluded by reiterating IPOB’s demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally,” he said.
“List the appeal. Hear it. Or face the promise.”
