Ihiala Massacre: IPOB Lawyer Urges Vigilance In South East, Calls For Justice Against Accomplices
The Lead Counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on communities in the South East to remain vigilant in combating insecurity and ensuring justice for those complicit in violent crimes, including the recent Ihiala massacre in Anambra State.
Ejiofor made this appeal in a statement titled “Collective Responsibility in Combating Crime and Insecurity”, following the arrest of one of the masterminds of the massacre by security operatives.
Ejiofor commended the efforts of security agencies in tackling crime but emphasised that security is a shared responsibility, urging communities to take active roles in identifying and confronting criminal elements.
He pointed out that:
The arrested suspect and his accomplices are reportedly residents of the Ihiala community, not outsiders or individuals hiding in remote forests.
The confession of the suspect should raise awareness about the criminals terrorising the region, but Ejiofor warned against prematurely making such information viral, as it could hinder ongoing investigations.
These individuals are criminals, not freedom fighters or defenders of any cause, and should face justice for their actions.
Ejiofor criticised the tendency to associate violent crimes in the South East with IPOB or the Eastern Security Network (ESN) without thorough investigations, stating that such assumptions undermine public cooperation in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“No true Igbo or Biafran will align with heartless criminals who kill, maim, and kidnap their own people,” Ejiofor said. “They are agents of chaos and destruction who must be brought to justice.”
The IPOB lawyer highlighted the importance of collaboration between citizens and security agencies to eliminate criminal elements and restore peace to the region.
“Effective collaboration eliminates political compromises, fosters proactive responses, and significantly curbs violent crimes in our communities,” he said.
Ejiofor concluded with a prayer for the eradication of criminal elements and the restoration of peace in Ihiala, Anambra, and the entire South East.
“Let us rise to the challenge, take responsibility for our security, and work together to reclaim the sanctity of our communities. United, we can overcome,” he said.
The Ihiala massacre remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for vigilance and collective action to address insecurity in the South East.
