The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly denied allegations that its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), is involved in kidnapping and ransom demands. This statement comes in response to claims from a group in Taraba, accusing ESN operatives of abducting individuals and demanding a N20 million ransom.
IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, addressed these accusations, asserting that the ESN has no involvement in such activities. “On June 13, 2024, disturbing videos surfaced showing foreign and local Fulani terrorists in Biafraland, armed and with various charms. These individuals were intercepted by ESN operatives,” said Powerful.
The detained individuals allegedly confessed their mission to destabilize Biafraland, with some already stationed in the region and more on the way. After interrogation, the ESN reportedly neutralized the threat posed by these terrorists.
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Powerful emphasized that the ESN operates solely to protect Biafra territory from external threats, particularly from marauding Fulani terrorists. “The Taraba group should seek their lost members in northern forests, as the ESN has already expelled these terrorists from Biafraland,” he added.
The statement also rebuffed claims that ESN had detained or killed individuals from Taraba, branding the accusations as baseless. “The notion that ESN killed three people and is holding nine others for ransom is entirely false. The men intercepted on June 12 were not fishermen, as alleged,” Powerful concluded.
IPOB maintains that the ESN is a disciplined vigilante group committed to safeguarding the region against terrorist activities.
