The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised alarm over growing threats against the Igbo community in Northern Nigeria, calling for immediate action to prevent violence. In a statement released on Monday, IPOB accused certain groups of planning retaliatory attacks on Igbo people, citing intelligence reports that suggest the attacks are in response to the recent killing of northern hunters in Edo State.

IPOB’s warning comes at a particularly sensitive time, coinciding with rising ethnic tensions in the country, fueled by the violent deaths of at least 16 northern individuals in Edo last week. These individuals were lynched after being accused of kidnapping, and their deaths have ignited a fierce backlash. IPOB has made it clear that the Igbo community was not involved in the killings and has condemned the ongoing violence.

Claims of Coordinated Attacks by Fulani Extremists

In its statement, IPOB further accused Fulani extremists of exploiting ethnic divisions to stir unrest in the region. According to the pro-Biafran group, Fulani elements are using the killing of northern hunters as a pretext to incite violence against the Igbo community. IPOB argued that these groups are attempting to manipulate the situation for their own political and ideological motives.

“We have been reliably informed that certain individuals are already issuing threats against Ndigbo in the North,” the statement reads. The group specifically referenced the killing of an Igbo man, Uche Abagana, in Kano, allegedly due to the incident in Edo. IPOB urges the indigenous Hausa community in the North to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to manipulation by groups looking to escalate the violence.

Concerns Over Vulnerability and Calls for Self-Defence

Given the ongoing threats, IPOB has urged the Igbo community in Northern Nigeria to heighten their security awareness and prepare for potential self-defence. The group stressed that while the Igbo people have always been law-abiding and peaceful, they will no longer tolerate violence against their people without responding. IPOB made it clear that they are committed to defending themselves and will not stand idly by if their lives and properties are under threat.

The statement from IPOB emphasizes that despite the rising threats, the Igbo community continues to uphold values of peace and coexistence. However, the group is calling for practical measures to protect themselves, urging the community to be proactive in ensuring their safety.

Broader Call for Unity Against Colonial Structures

IPOB’s statement also extended beyond the immediate concerns of ethnic violence, calling for unity among all indigenous Nigerian ethnic groups. The group stressed the need to dismantle what it described as a colonial structure that primarily serves the interests of Western imperialism rather than the people of Nigeria. IPOB advocates for a more unified approach to tackling the country’s systemic issues and ensuring that governance and policies serve the needs of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

The group’s call for national unity and cooperation seeks to address the deep-rooted challenges of ethnic divisions and power imbalances in the country. IPOB’s message encourages all Nigerians to come together and challenge systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality.

Political and Ethnic Divisions Threaten National Stability

The rise in ethnic violence, fueled by incidents like the killing of northern hunters in Edo and the retaliatory threats against Igbo people, has raised significant concerns about the future stability of Nigeria. The country is grappling with political and ethnic divisions, which are exacerbated by attacks and accusations on both sides. This ongoing tension threatens not only the security of specific communities but also the overall peace of the nation.

IPOB’s warning highlights the vulnerability of the Igbo community in the North, where they are a minority among the predominantly Hausa and Fulani populations. The fear of retaliation has led to heightened concerns about further violence, and the group’s call for self-defence is a reflection of the anxiety that many in the Igbo community are feeling.

Impact on Inter-Ethnic Relations and Government Response

As ethnic and political tensions continue to rise, the Nigerian government faces significant challenges in addressing the root causes of the unrest and preventing further violence. While the government has called for peace and national unity, the situation remains volatile. The role of local leaders and community groups will be crucial in fostering dialogue and reducing tensions between Nigeria’s various ethnic groups.

The IPOB statement serves as a stark reminder of the delicate state of inter-ethnic relations in Nigeria, and the urgent need for a coordinated effort to address the underlying issues of injustice, inequality, and violence that continue to plague the country.

Conclusion: The Path to Peaceful Coexistence

The situation in Northern Nigeria, particularly the rising tensions between ethnic groups, calls for urgent intervention from both government and community leaders. IPOB’s warning about the threats against Igbo people underscores the dangers posed by ethnic divisions, which could lead to further violence if not addressed.

The government must take swift and decisive action to protect all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background, while also working to address the underlying causes of ethnic and political conflict. Only through fostering unity and cooperation can Nigeria hope to overcome these challenges and create a peaceful, inclusive society where all ethnic groups can live in harmony. The need for dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect between the diverse communities is now more critical than ever.