The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has demanded that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu provide evidence to substantiate his claim that the group and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were responsible for the deaths of 30,000 people in the South-East.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB insisted that Kalu must publicly provide “the proof of the 30,000 individuals k!lled by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB” or issue a public apology, arguing that mass murder allegations are not mere political issues.
IPOB used the statement to level counter-allegations against the former Abia State Governor, including:
- Political Manipulation: Accusing Kalu of collusion with criminal elements, notably by allegedly ceding the Lokpanta market to them “in exchange for political benefits,” contributing to insecurity.
- Misgovernance: Alleging mismanagement of state resources and poor infrastructure during his tenure.
- Vigilante Misuse: Accusing Kalu of manipulating the Bakassi Vigilante Group against political opponents after assuming office in 1999.
IPOB reiterated that it is a peaceful self-determination organization operating within the law, and insisted that its members are unarmed and nonviolent. The group defended ESN as an organized vigilante structure formed solely to repel violent attacks. IPOB also distanced itself from armed groups like Autopilot and the so-called Biafra Liberation Army, which it claimed are funded by political interests, including Senator Kalu.
Meanwhile, Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Kalu dismissed claims by IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful that he fabricated the death toll and was himself a sponsor of violent separatist groups.
Kalu described the reaction as “childish,” insisting that his comments were factual and based on the human and economic losses suffered across the region.
“My statement was very clear on what I said. I said there are over 30,000 Igbos that have lost their life in the process of sit-at-home, do this, do that in the South-East. Businesses were stopped. People in Ihiala and along those areas, and people in Orlu and part of all the South-East cannot go to their homes.”
He faulted Emma Powerful for issuing statements anonymously and urged him to appear openly if he wished to challenge the figures.
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“If Emma Powerful is issuing a statement, he should come on television the way I have come to address you — that is Emma Powerful with clear identity of who he is. Igbos should not be taken for a ride or for granted.”
Kalu expressed sympathy for the detained IPOB leader’s family but stressed that the suffering of ordinary people must also be acknowledged.
“I sympathise truly with the family of Nnamdi Kanu and what has happened to them. And I want the Federal Government and everybody to think of how they can resolve the matter.
“They should think of what happened to people that lost their businesses, people that lost their lives, families that have been killed. It is a statement of fact — I don’t talk any harm,”he concluded.