Some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Diaspora have defied the call by the pro-Biafra group leadership to return home for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
In a statement by Chidiebere Irolewe, Kalu Oji Agu, Ndubuisi Uba, and Igwe Obasi, they expressed their fear of arrest by Nigerian security agents.
The members stated that while they would like to return, the current security challenges in the South-East, coupled with the clampdown on IPOB members by security agents, make it difficult for them to do so.
Sources revealed that the four individuals were deeply involved in IPOB activities in Nigeria and had been detained and tortured on multiple occasions before fleeing to Europe.
The sources further indicated that the four IPOB members in the Diaspora, believed to be on the watchlist of security agents, could risk arrest if they return home.
This situation arises as their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, launched the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which has been associated with acts of violence, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Despite these concerns, IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, urged IPOB members and Igbo people in general to return home.
He assured those wishing to return for the festive season that the same ESN operatives, who have been involved in violent activities, would provide a peaceful atmosphere during this period.
