The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of allegedly exploiting the abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to discredit the Biafra self-determination movement.
The group, which denied any connection to the incident along the Onitsha-Owerri axis, demanded an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and the subsequent rescue of the affected corps members.
IPOB made its position known in a statement released on Saturday, October 10, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful. It condemned the abduction and rejected allegations that the group was responsible, describing such accusations as an attempt to portray its activities negatively.
The organisation further alleged that the security situation in Imo State was being used for political advantage. According to IPOB, Uzodimma was seeking to strengthen his position within the political establishment, particularly amid reported tensions involving President Bola Tinubu and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The group also claimed that the governor was attempting to establish himself as a key security figure in the South-East, while alleging that political calculations surrounding the Senate presidency and the possible release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu were influencing developments in the region. It did not provide independent evidence to substantiate these claims.
Raising questions about security arrangements in parts of Imo State, IPOB alleged that the withdrawal or absence of military personnel from certain checkpoints had created opportunities for armed groups to operate. It further claimed that criminal elements were carrying out attacks, kidnappings and ransom-related activities that were subsequently being attributed to the organisation.
IPOB also expressed concern that its announced plan to boycott elections could be exploited by individuals seeking to commit crimes under the group’s name. It alleged that some actors who had previously hijacked Monday sit-at-home activities were now using its electoral boycott position as justification for criminal conduct.
The group maintained that its campaign was focused on self-determination and insisted that it should not be held accountable for criminal acts solely because of its political objectives. It reiterated that it did not target civilians, students or NYSC members.
As part of its demands, IPOB called for investigators to establish how the abductions occurred, examine the rescue operations and trace any ransom payments allegedly made in connection with the incident. It said such an inquiry should determine who received the money and whether any individuals or organisations profited from the kidnappings.
The group urged Nigerians and the international community to avoid drawing conclusions about responsibility for the abduction without a thorough investigation. The allegations against Uzodimma remain claims made by IPOB, and the statement provided no independent evidence establishing the governor’s involvement in the incident.
