The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said any attack on Igbos living in Lagos State will no longer be tolerated.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the proscribed group warned that those behind attacks on Igbo in Lagos will soon regret their action.
IPOB also condemned the recent intimidation of the Igbo in various parts of Lagos during the presidential and governorship elections in the state.
The group, however, advised Igbos to form gallant groups to defend themselves from any physical harm.
The statement reads: “The anti-Igbo sentiments, threat, attacks, and abductions of Igbo traders, residents, and businesses threatening them to vacate Lagos is a threat to the entire Biafra nation.
It is quite unfortunate that Yoruba political, traditional, and religious leaders are keeping quiet on the raging anti-Igbo sentiments in Lagos, Nigeria, which shows that they are on the same page to forcefully eject Ndigbo out of Lagos.
The bigotry and parochialism that politicians through their political thugs have recently demonstrated against Ndigbo have shown that the aged long bitterness can’t be healed. One thing certain is that Ndigbo will vacate Lagos, and we don’t expect any mediation to stop such an exodus as it’s bound to happen soon.
In the interim, we encourage Ndigbo to form gallant groups to defend themselves from the tribal vagabonds and political thugs. The criminals and cultists recruited by the politicians pushing the Igbos and expecting us to react and we must respond to them shortly.
We are going to settle the problem with Igbo and Yoruba in a way people will marvel and nobody should blame us. Igbos have been monitoring these criminals. Those behind these devilish activities against Ndigbo must regret their actions soon. Every Biafran must prepare to leave Lagos and don’t say we didn’t inform you.
We are urging Ndigbo both men and women to prepare to vacate Lagos. Only a person who doesn’t have a place would be annoyed when your host asked you to leave his or her house. We acknowledge that many of you have built many mansions and markets in Lagos. You have a choice of selling those properties, mortgage them, or lease them while you journey to your fatherland for your safety.”
IPOB said the Igbos have existing markets in all parts of the Eastern Region that are enough to accommodate all those relocating from Lagos to the East.
It noted that the international markets in Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Anambra states are enough to accommodate all the businesses ready to relocate to the region.
IPOB said that the markets can be expanded while many new markets are built.
It added: “IPOB will stand behind every relocation and development of international markets in Biafra Land.
Therefore, we urge the newly elected governors and House of Assembly Members in the Eastern Region to work with communities to make land available in every province for international markets and industrialization projects.
Again, we have to be involved in making sure that our people bring back their motor spare parts and we expect other markets to relocate from Lagos to Igboland.
We advise them to start it quickly. We are delighted that our people are realizing that Nigeria is not for them, and the thought of relocating their businesses back to the Eastern Region is long overdue.
Those in Lagos should know that they are not in any way doing better than the businesses in the Eastern region.
They should come back to avoid losing their precious lives and properties to the hooligans working for political conspirators.”
