The Ijaw National Congress worldwide has disassociated itself from claims by the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, on its planned reprisal on the Nigerian Army.
At least 15 military personnel were killed by irate youths during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities in the state.
The personnel attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Although there were reports of reprisal on the community by the military, the Army has however debunked it, stating that 20 suspects were arrested.
Ekpa was also among the 96 suspects that have been declared wanted by the Defense Headquarters for terrorism.
The INC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, stated that Ekpa, in a publication on social media, threatened a reprisal on the Army and planned to declare a sit-at-home in Delta and Bayelsa states.
The statement read, “The attention of the ljaw National Congress Worldwide has been drawn to a recent publication by one Simon Ekpa, factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB that has been making round in the social media on attacks on the Nigerian Army and to declare a sit at home in Delta and Bayelsa States respectively over what they termed targeted ethnic cleansing in both states by the Army.
“The INC had repeatedly condemned in strong terms, the attack on the military, and the killing of 17 soldiers of the Nigerian army at Okuama community in Delta State. The INC also described the act to be very barbaric, sad, and unfortunate and called for the perpetrators of the heinous act to be brought to book.
“The INC completely disassociates itself from the actions and planned action of the IPOB of avenging the death of people in those places. The IPOB is not doing it in the interest of the Ijaw nation. This planned action is not taken on our behalf and for us. The Federal Government and the general public should take note of this. The INC is calling on all Ijaw sons and daughters to remain calm and be vigilant.
