By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared its support for the Anambra State Government’s efforts to rid the state of criminal elements but has strongly condemned the alleged killing of innocent youths by the Agunechemba security outfit in the region.

In a statement released by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB expressed concerns over what it described as politically motivated and reckless killings, particularly the recent executions of youths in Owerre Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

While reiterating its commitment to fighting insecurity in the Southeast, IPOB warned that it would not tolerate any deliberate targeting of hardworking Igbo youths under the guise of fighting crime.

“If Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Agunechemba outfit is targeting innocent Igbo youths, then he will have a serious battle to face because IPOB will not stand by and watch,” the statement read.

The group further emphasized that while it supports any genuine effort to combat criminals, kidnappers, and terrorists in Anambra and beyond, security measures must not be politicized or turned into a tool against perceived political opponents, especially ahead of the 2025 governorship election in the state.

IPOB accused the Nigerian government of creating criminal groups to blackmail its movement and lamented that such groups, once abandoned, had now turned into a major security threat in the Southeast.

It urged Governor Soludo to ensure that security operations also target Fulani terrorists operating in forests, accusing the Eastern governors of failing to confront them due to political pressure.

“We warn that IPOB members must not be targeted by Agunechemba, as we are non-violent, law-abiding civilians pursuing self-determination,” the statement continued.

The group also called on Governor Soludo to visit the families of the slain youths, offer compensation, and publicly apologize for the killings.

Reaffirming its support for tackling insecurity, IPOB insisted that security agencies must not use the fight against crime as a cover to carry out extrajudicial killings of innocent citizens.

“Once again, IPOB supports every genuine effort to get rid of criminals tormenting Anambra State and the entire Eastern region. However, we condemn the barbaric killing of innocent Igbo youths by Agunechemba militia,” IPOB concluded.