Lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on communities in the South East to be vigilant to stem the tide of killings and insecurity in the region.
He was speaking on the trending video of one of the masterminds of the massacre in Ihiala, Anambra State, who has been arrested by security operatives.
According to him, since the accomplices are residents of the community, they are soulless and should face justice for their actions.
Ejiofor said these in a statement he issued titled, “Collective Responsibility in Combating Crime and Insecurity.”
He warned that the tendency to prematurely but mischievously associate every violent crime in the South East with IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN), even before the commencement of investigation and without thorough investigations, weakens citizens’ participation in combating common enemies who thrive on fear and bloodshed.
Ejiofor said, “I watched the trending video of one of the masterminds of the Ihiala massacre, who has been arrested by security agents.
Security is indeed a collective responsibility, and we commend our security agents for their significant achievements in tackling crime. While appreciating this progress, I humbly offer the following observations for consideration:
“The self-confessed murderer, responsible for recent heinous acts in Ihiala and its environs, appears to be an indigene of the Ihiala community, not an outsider from any neighboring state.
“The accomplices he mentioned in the clip are reportedly residents within the community, rather than hiding in remote forests as previously assumed. This underscores the need for greater community vigilance.
“While publicizing this confession helps raise awareness about the culprits terrorizing our land, I believe making it viral at this stage may be premature.
“These individuals are criminals and should be treated as such. They are not freedom fighters or defenders of any cause – they are agents of chaos, darkness and destruction.
“The tendency to prematurely but mischievously associate every violent crime in the Southeast with IPOB/ESN, even before the commencement of investigation and without thorough investigations, weakens citizens’ participation in combating our common enemies who thrive on fear and bloodshed.
“Security must not be left solely to government agencies. Communities must actively identify and confront these criminal elements to restore peace. Investigations should inform appropriate unbiased classifications of offenders.
“No true Igbo or Biafran will align with these heartless criminals who kill, maim, and kidnap their own people. They are soulless and should face justice for their actions.
“Effective collaboration between citizens and security agencies is essential. It eliminates political compromises, fosters proactive responses, and significantly curbs violent crimes in our communities.
“We pray for the eradication of these bad elements, guided by strong political will. May God heal our land and restore peace to Ihiala, Anambra and the entire Southeast, Amen.
“Let us all rise to the challenge, take responsibility for our security, and work together to reclaim the sanctity of our communities. United, we can overcome.”
