The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has finally admitted to being an armed group, disclosing that it produces its arms locally.
The group made the disclosure in reaction to an allegation credited to the Department of State Services (DSS) that it was planning to attack banks in the South-East, in order to get money to buy arms.
The disclosure by IPOB is coming after years of claims that it is a peaceful freedom movement and unarmed. The group had always accused security agents in the country of attacking its members, who are peaceful and unarmed.
Debunking the allegation by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, as a poor script, IPOB said: “We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally.”
While assuring banks in the area of safety, Powerful insisted that IPOB members were freedom fighters and not criminals.
The statement read in part: “The DSS is propelling this wicked propaganda to blackmail Eastern Security Network and IPOB, and dent our global reputation.
“IPOB and ESN are not criminals and we have no plans or agenda to touch any institution particularly banks.
“We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally and cannot attack or kidnap anybody for ransom.
“We don’t inflict pains on the people we are fighting for their freedom. DSS must stop this rubbish and engage their time on something more meaningful. This poor script cannot fly… ESN has never left its mandate which is to defend Biafra land against Fulani terrorists and killer herdsmen.
“All banks in Biafraland must be wary of the DSS because it is possible they are planning to sponsor attacks on banks and turn around as usual to blame it on IPOB and ESN.”
