The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the gruesome massacre of 18 persons in several communities in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. The separatist group also distanced itself and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), from the tragic events, describing the killings as barbaric and unacceptable.
Sahara Reporters broke the news through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, sparking nationwide outrage and mourning. In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, vowing to expose and fight against what it described as “sponsored criminality and terrorism” aimed at destabilizing the Southeast region, or Alaigbo, and maligning IPOB and ESN.
“We commiserate with the families of those who lost their loved ones. IPOB remains committed to the fight against sponsored criminality and terrorism that aim to destabilize Alaigbo and blackmail IPOB and ESN,” Powerful declared.
The massacre, which occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, left the communities of Umukabia, Eziawa, Ihittenasa, Umuhu, Amaoku, and Amaebe in Orsu Local Government Area in utter devastation. Gunmen reportedly launched coordinated attacks, leaving a trail of bloodshed and despair in their wake.
Residents described the attacks as well-organized, with multiple communities hit simultaneously, plunging the area into chaos. Survivors recounted horrific scenes of gunmen opening fire on civilians and torching properties.
The former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who hails from Orsu, brought the tragic incident to light through his X handle, sharing firsthand accounts and calling for immediate intervention to end the bloodbath.
In its statement, IPOB did not shy away from assigning blame. The group accused unnamed government elements of masterminding the killings to sow discord and tarnish its reputation. IPOB also implicated Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure and self-proclaimed leader of a splinter group, accusing him of furthering the chaos in the Southeast under the guise of agitating for Biafra.
“It is clear that certain forces are using criminal elements to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in Alaigbo. We hold Simon Ekpa and his agents responsible for aggravating this unrest, while the government turns a blind eye to these atrocities,” IPOB alleged.
The group reiterated its commitment to peace and security in the region, urging the people of Alaigbo to remain vigilant against attempts to destabilize their communities. IPOB also called on international human rights organizations to investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The massacre in Orsu is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have plagued Imo State and other parts of the Southeast in recent years. With allegations of state complicity and internal sabotage flying high, the region remains on edge, yearning for justice, peace, and an end to the bloodshed.
As the nation mourns the tragic loss of innocent lives, all eyes are on the authorities to take decisive action to address the root causes of these killings and restore order to the beleaguered communities. Will justice prevail, or will these victims join the growing list of unresolved tragedies? The coming days will reveal whether the government can rise to the occasion and deliver justice to Orsu’s grieving families.
PIONEER NEWS 