The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a serious warning to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), cautioning them against involving the Ijaw nation in their alleged scheme to attack military installations in Bayelsa and Delta states.
Reacting to purported plans by the Simon Ekpa-led faction of IPOB to launch assaults on military personnel and declare a sit-at-home order in Delta and Bayelsa, the INC firmly distanced the Ijaw people from such intentions.
Prof Benjamin Okaba, President of the INC, emphasized that the Ijaw ethnic group has never consented to being part of the Biafra Republic and strongly dissociated the Ijaw from IPOB’s proposed attacks.
Okaba reiterated the INC’s condemnation of the tragic events in Okuama, Delta State, and the invasion of Igbomotoru in Bayelsa, advocating for a thorough investigation by military authorities.
He said, “The INC has severally condemned the killing of the 17 military officers in Okuama and we have also cautioned the invasion of Okuama and Igbomotoru communities as well as decried the deaths of innocent citizens in these communities.
“We are particularly concerned about the IPOB reference of these affected communities as part of Biafra and that they are coming to avenge the invasion of these communities because they are part of them.
“We wish to emphasize that these communities are ljaw communities and we disassociate ourselves from the planned attack on the military authorities in the region.
“This nefarious plan is not in our interest as a people. The ljaw nation has not solicited the support of IPOB and any other group whatsoever to address its cause for self determination.
“The Federal Government should take serious note of our position and deal decisively with any group that is planning to turn our environment into a battlefield.
“Finally, we are calling on Ijaw all over to remain calm, vigilant and focused.”
