In a statement released on Thursday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clarified that the Eastern Security Network (ESN) is not engaging in harassment of Northerners and Fulanis in the Southeast region.
According to IPOB, there are Northerners who are conducting their lawful businesses in the Southeast without facing any form of harassment.
The group’s response comes after the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) alleged that ESN was involved in the mass killing of Fulani cows and Northerners.
Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, criticized NEF, referring to them as hypocrites and instigators of crisis who rarely speak the truth.
Powerful’s statement emphasized that IPOB and ESN are focused on targeting criminal elements and terrorists operating in the region, particularly those responsible for terrorizing communities, committing crimes such as rape, and destroying farmlands.
Regarding the slaughtering of cows in the East, IPOB/ESN acknowledged responsibility, stating that it was a message to deter terrorists from utilizing the animals as a means to occupy farmlands and disrupt agricultural activities.
The statement highlighted the ban on open grazing by the South East Governor’s Forum since 2020 and encouraged all individuals, including Fulanis, to engage in legitimate businesses by renting properties in urban areas rather than intruding on farms and forests.
The message also warned that individuals engaging in criminal activities would face consequences and reiterated that ESN and IPOB do not condone or support criminal behavior.