The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has recently accused military personnel at checkpoints in Southeast Nigeria of collaborating with criminals to kidnap motorists. These claims have heightened concerns about the region’s security situation and the role of the military.
IPOB asserts that soldiers at the “kill and bury” checkpoint in Ukwu Orji, Mbaitolu Local Government Area, Imo State, extort money from motorists. Passengers are allegedly forced to pay N5,000 to pass through the checkpoint between 10 pm and 12 am.
According to IPOB, these soldiers and police officers not only delay and extort travelers but also act as informants for kidnappers. Passengers reportedly face attacks and kidnappings after leaving the checkpoint.
The group claims that similar practices occur at multiple military and police checkpoints across the Southeast, significantly impacting the cost of transportation and goods in the region.
IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, highlighted the severe human rights abuses committed at these checkpoints, including humiliation, torture, and forceful disappearances.
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IPOB has emphasized the economic consequences of these actions, describing them as part of a broader strategy to oppress and economically strangle the Igbo people. The extortion at checkpoints reportedly makes living and doing business in the Southeast more expensive compared to other regions.
IPOB has called for the dismantling of military checkpoints, particularly at Ukwu Orji, and urged the Nigerian Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Army Staff to address these issues. They argue that these checkpoints, instead of enhancing security, contribute to the region’s instability by aiding criminal activities.