In what seems to be a change in strategy, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a pro-Biafran group, is now expressing readiness to engage in negotiations with the Federal Government.
In a statement by IPOB's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Saturday, the group alleged that it has suffered significant losses, including over 5,000 members and properties valued at over $1 billion, due to what it perceives as the excessive use of force by Nigerian security forces. According to Powerful, the pro-Biafran group is now advocating for a peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a referendum supervised by the United Nations.
The statement emphasizes that IPOB, as a global family and movement, remains committed to peaceful negotiations and dialogue for the peaceful secession of Biafra. The group asserts that its peaceful agitation for Biafra's independence, which began in 2012, has been devoid of violence or criminality. However, IPOB claims that the Federal Government has consistently launched attacks on its members, resulting in casualties, injuries, and illegal detentions.
The group is now reiterating its openness to peaceful discussions and emphasizes its commitment to a UN-supervised referendum as a means to achieve the peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria.