The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong appeal to Igbo traders residing in Lagos State, urging them to reject a purported call for dialogue between Igbo and Yoruba communities.
The group asserts that this dialogue is a ploy to dissuade Igbo traders from moving their businesses back to the Southeast.
In a statement released by IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful, the organization expressed deep skepticism about the intentions behind the proposed dialogue.
IPOB believes it is an attempt to manipulate Igbo traders into maintaining their investments in Lagos despite the adverse conditions they face.
Powerful highlighted that the Igbo have historically been victims during crises in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
This ongoing vulnerability is a significant reason for the call to relocate their investments to the Southeast, where they are more likely to be secure.
“Ndigbo must not fall into any deception to continue investments in Lagos State, where their investments are not protected,” Powerful stated.
He emphasised that while IPOB does not oppose genuine dialogue between Yoruba and Igbo communities in Lagos, it firmly objects to any discussions intended to keep Igbo investments in what they describe as a hostile environment.
The statement recounted numerous instances where Igbo investments and lives have been lost due to ethnic conflicts and discriminatory policies in both the Northern and Western regions of Nigeria.
IPOB pointed out that in the North, Igbo people frequently suffer during religious and political riots, resulting in the destruction and looting of their properties.
In Lagos, IPOB claims that the state government has targeted Igbo businesses and properties.
Powerful cited examples of Igbo-dominated markets being demolished or burnt down, often without adequate compensation for the affected traders.
“Lagos State is not Igboland. The Lagos State Government has demolished property and investments of Ndigbo,” Powerful asserted.
“Many Igbo-dominated markets in Lagos have either been demolished or burnt down and taken over by the Lagos State Government.”
Given these grievances, IPOB is urging all Igbo people to cease investing in Lagos and other regions outside the Southeast.
Instead, they are encouraged to channel their investments into Biafran land, where their contributions can help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“IPOB calls on all Biafrans to stop investing in Yoruba land and Arewa land. All investments should be channeled to Biafran land,” Powerful said.
“Our people who invested in Biafra land are doing well and are helping to create jobs for our youths.”
Powerful further noted that Igbo people have historically been engines of growth in any society they inhabit, contributing significantly to development globally.
However, he argued that it is time for the Igbo to focus on building their homeland, where their investments are safer and more appreciated.
IPOB also criticized the Lagos State Government for promulgating laws that allegedly target Igbo businesses and properties.
They questioned the absence of the Yoruba group calling for dialogue during such discriminatory actions.
“Where was this Yoruba group when Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos House of Assembly promulgated a law that targeted the Igbo businesses and property in Lagos?” Powerful asked.
He highlighted the lack of compensation for Igbo traders whose properties were demolished, reinforcing the group’s call for Igbo people to return home and invest in the Southeast.
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