[BREAKING]: IPOB Demands International Public Inquiry Into South-East Insecurity, Accuses Abuja of “Hiding the Truth”

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has renewed its call for an open, internationally supervised public inquiry into insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East, accusing the Federal Government and the Nigerian Military of suppressing the truth.

In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful criticised comments attributed to Michael Onoja, urging the military to submit its claims to public scrutiny rather than what the group described as “recycled propaganda.”

Call for Judge-Led, International Inquiry

IPOB said it has consistently demanded a full, open inquiry into killings, disappearances, kidnappings, and alleged destabilisation in the South-East. The group proposed that the panel be chaired by an impartial foreign jurist, preferably from South Africa, and operate under international oversight to ensure independence.

According to the statement, IPOB has appealed to the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and the United States to support such a commission.

Alleged Pattern of State Violence

The group listed several past incidents it described as “state violence against unarmed civilians,” including the 2016 Nkpor Remembrance Day shootings, killings at National High School Aba, clashes in Zaria, operations in Odi and Zaki-Biam, and the 2020 Lekki Toll Gate incident during the #EndSARS protests.

IPOB also referenced the 2017 invasion of the home of its leader Nnamdi Kanu, alleging multiple fatalities. The organisation insisted these events predated the branding of IPOB as a security threat.

Danjuma Reference, Political Class Accused

Citing earlier remarks by Theophilus Danjuma, who once alleged collusion between security elements and armed groups, IPOB questioned official narratives that place sole blame on separatist movements.

The group further accused Nigeria’s major political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—of presiding over nationwide security failures and using IPOB as a scapegoat.

Fresh Demands Issued

IPOB outlined specific demands, including:

• A public, judge-led inquiry into South-East insecurity with international participation.

• Full access to security records, directives, communications, and protected witness testimony.

• The immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, which the group says is central to resolving the crisis.

The statement concluded that continued refusal to allow independent scrutiny undermines official claims and fuels distrust, adding that “history will eventually catch up.”

As of press time, there was no official response from the Nigerian Army or the Federal Government to the allegations.