Biafra Agitation: IPOB slams Soludo over Onitsha market closure

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused South-East state governments of working together to undermine the campaign for the restoration of Biafra.

According to the group, the recent closure of Onitsha Main Market by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is part of a wider plan to create instability in the South-East and weaken the Biafra movement.

IPOB made the claim in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful. The statement was titled “Soludo’s reckless threats unmask a sinister plot to undermine Biafra’s peaceful struggle and foment instability in Igboland.”

The group alleged that the action was coordinated by the Nigerian government.

IPOB strongly criticised Governor Soludo for threatening to revoke market ownership and rebuild markets as punishment for traders who observe the Monday sit-at-home protest in solidarity with its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The group described the governor’s comments as provocative and dangerous, claiming they were designed to provoke unrest and discredit the Biafra agitation both locally and internationally.

IPOB said the timing of Soludo’s actions was suspicious, especially as the South-East had recently experienced a return to relative peace and normal business activities.

According to the group, traders had opened their shops on Mondays during the Christmas period without any issues, which they said proves that the sit-at-home is a voluntary protest and not driven by fear or intimidation.

IPOB insisted that the Monday sit-at-home is a peaceful form of civil disobedience aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu and the right to self-determination.

The group warned that Soludo’s actions could reverse the fragile peace in the region and create unnecessary tension.

It also claimed that the Nigerian government is lobbying foreign governments to portray the South-East as unstable in order to block international support for Biafra.

IPOB accused Governor Soludo of betraying his people and warned that his actions could damage the livelihoods of traders and endanger lives.

The group urged its members and supporters to remain calm, disciplined, and committed to non-violent protest.

IPOB also called on the international community, human rights organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to hold the Anambra State governor accountable for what it described as inflammatory threats.