IPOB Challenges Kalu to Substantiate Claim of 30,000 Deaths in South-East

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected claims by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that over 30,000 people have died as a result of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s activism in Nigeria’s South-East, describing the figure as “false” and “irresponsible.”

Senator Kalu, representing Abia North, made the claim on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stating that secessionist agitations linked to IPOB had led to significant fatalities and economic losses in the region. He said, “Do you know that over 30,000 Igbos were killed? People who have shops have lost their businesses.”

In response, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful demanded evidence to support the claim, saying, “The worldwide family and movement of IPOB denounces these false and irresponsible statements. This arises from a person seeking political gain at the expense of truth.”

Powerful asserted that IPOB and Kanu have remained non-violent despite military operations targeting their members. He further accused the Federal Government and certain South-East politicians of orchestrating insecurity and destruction to malign IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The group also called for impartial investigations into violence in the South-East since 2015, noting that the Federal Government has yet to allow an independent inquiry. “IPOB urges Senator Kalu to present proof of his assertions. We bear no responsibility for the deaths or damage claimed in the region,” the statement added.

Senator Kalu’s comments followed Kanu’s recent conviction on terrorism-related charges. The former Abia governor emphasized political dialogue over continued agitation, urging stakeholders to work with the Federal Government for a lasting solution in the South-East.