IPOB Rejects Akpabio’s Misleading Remarks on Terrorism: Nigeria’s Real Terrorists Are Known but Remain Untouchable

1. Clarifying the Context of Akpabio’s Remarks

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed strong disapproval of recent comments attributed to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in which he claimed that “both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria.”
While that statement may appear factual on the surface, it reflects a recurring pattern of political avoidance—a refusal to address the root causes of terrorism and to identify the actual perpetrators who continue to destabilize Nigeria with impunity.

It is public knowledge that terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria have claimed thousands of lives, particularly across the North and the Middle Belt. Yet, those responsible often operate under religious or ethnic pretexts while benefiting from political protection. Instead of addressing these realities, IPOB notes that many leaders choose to deflect attention toward peaceful self-determination movements such as IPOB, which remains unarmed and non-violent.

2. The Culture of Silence Among Nigeria’s Political Class

IPOB maintains that Senator Akpabio’s comments illustrate a broader systemic problem: a culture of fear and silence within Nigeria’s political elite.
Southern politicians, in particular, often avoid confronting the real sources of insecurity for fear of political repercussions.

According to IPOB, it is “safe politics” in Abuja to criticize Biafra-related advocacy while remaining mute about armed groups and terror networks that have displaced thousands, seized communities, and disrupted farming and education in several northern states.

3. IPOB’s Legal and Peaceful Mandate

For the record, IPOB reiterates that it is not and has never been a terrorist organization.
The movement was lawfully established to advance the right to self-determination for the Biafran people as recognized under:

Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (which forms part of Nigerian law), and
Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

IPOB has never engaged in acts that meet any international or domestic definition of terrorism. It has no history of bombings, mass killings, or kidnappings — all of which have, regrettably, become trademarks of genuine terror groups operating within Nigeria.

Furthermore, no international court or government — including those of the United Kingdom, the European Union, or the United States — has ever designated IPOB as a terrorist organization.
Instead, multiple independent human-rights observers have consistently described IPOB as a non-violent movement advocating lawful redress for marginalization and extrajudicial persecution.

4. Selective Justice and the Question of Impunity

IPOB regrets that many in Nigeria’s political leadership have avoided confronting the real architects and financiers of terrorism, even when credible reports and security briefings have identified them.
The movement stresses that this selective justice undermines Nigeria’s stability and global reputation.

It is deeply troubling, IPOB adds, that the Federal Government continues to detain its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite binding court judgments — including the Court of Appeal’s decision discharging and acquitting him — and international rulings condemning his extraordinary rendition from Kenya as a violation of international law.

“When bandits or extremist militias attack, the government negotiates,” IPOB noted. “But when we speak, they deploy soldiers. That is not justice — it is ethnic bias disguised as national security.”

5. IPOB’s Position and Appeal

IPOB calls on Senator Akpabio and the National Assembly to show leadership by addressing the root causes of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, including the protection networks that enable armed groups to operate freely.
The movement emphasizes that any attempt to equate IPOB with terror organizations is a distortion of fact and an insult to victims of real terrorism.

IPOB further reaffirms its unwavering commitment to:

Non-violence,
Lawful self-determination, and
Peaceful advocacy rooted in both the Nigerian Constitution and international law.

6. Conclusion

Nigeria’s progress depends on truth and courage.
Senator Akpabio and other political leaders must find the moral strength to confront those who perpetuate violence, rather than scapegoating lawful movements demanding justice and equity.

History, IPOB concludes, will record that it stood firmly for peace, human rights, and the rule of law — even when many in power chose silence over truth.