IPOB Urges Igbos in Lagos State to Protect Themselves Against Threats from MC Oluomo Thugs
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a statement urging Igbos residing in Lagos State to take measures to protect their lives and businesses following threats from MC Oluomo thugs led by the former Lagos State National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo.
In the statement, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, expressed concern over the attacks on Igbos and their businesses by the notorious thugs and criminals led by MC Olomo. Powerfully condemned the attacks and called on Igbos to form gallant groups to defend themselves from the tribal vagabonds and political thugs.
According to Powerful, the silence of Yoruba leaders on the issue has shown that the age-long bitterness between both tribes cannot be healed. He accused Yoruba politicians of recruiting Yoruba criminals and cultists to eject Igbos from Lagos State forcefully.
Also read: Don’t Eat Our Election Money Like You Did
The statement further reads: “Threatening Igbos in Lagos State is a threat to the entire Biafra. The silence of Yoruba politicians over the attack on Igbos in Lagos State has shown that they agree with the plot to eject Igbos from Lagos State forcefully. We encourage Ndigbo to form gallant groups to defend themselves from the tribal vagabonds and political thugs. Yoruba criminals and cultists recruited by the politicians are pushing the Igbos and expecting us to react, and we must respond to them shortly.”
IPOB’s statement has sparked reactions from different quarters. Some have accused the group of inciting violence and trying to create disunity among tribes in Lagos. Others have expressed support for the group’s call for Igbos to protect themselves against potential attacks.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has condemned the attacks on Igbos and their businesses and assured them of their safety. According to a statement from the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government is working with security agencies to ensure the safety of all residents in the state.
Omotoso recalled the contributions of Igbos to the growth and development of Lagos State and urged them to go about their businesses without any fear. He also called on all residents to be law-abiding and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
The Lagos State Police Command has also assured Igbos and other residents of the state of their safety. According to a statement from the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the command has deployed additional resources to areas with a high concentration of Igbo residents to ensure their safety.
Also read: Umahi Sacks 64 Coordinators
Adejobi also warned against any form of violence or attack on any resident of the state, saying that the command would deal decisively with anyone found responsible. He called on everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
The trade union movement in Nigeria has also condemned the attacks on Igbos and their businesses in Lagos State. According to a statement from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the attacks are unacceptable and must be stopped immediately.
The NLC called on the Lagos State government and security agencies to take urgent measures to protect the lives and properties of all residents in the state. The labor union also urged Igbos and other residents of the state to remain calm and go about their businesses without any fear.
Also read: Police Call For Calm As Gunmen Attack Abuja Estate
In conclusion, the statement from IPOB has raised concerns about the safety of Igbos living in Lagos State. While the Lagos State government and security agencies have assured residents of their safety, there is a need for all parties to work together to prevent any form of violence or attack on any resident of the state. It is essential to promote unity and peaceful co-existence among all tribes in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
