Joe Igbokwe, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on the governors of the Southeast to seek military intervention from President Bola Tinubu in addressing the activities of criminal groups in the region, including those masquerading as Biafra agitators. Igbokwe’s remarks follow support for Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who recently described the so-called Biafra agitation as a “scam” and a profitable venture for criminals.
Igbokwe emphasized that the activities of groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN), Unknown Gunmen (UGM), and Biafra Defunct (BDF) are no longer about seeking independence but are driven by criminal interests. According to Igbokwe, these groups have led to widespread violence, extortion, and the destruction of Southeast communities. He further stated that the region’s criminal elements exploit local populations, extorting millions and terrorizing citizens.
Igbokwe urged Southeast governors to align with Soludo’s stance and take proactive steps to restore peace in the region. He suggested that the governors could request military intervention from the federal government to eliminate the criminals hiding in the forests and end the ongoing violence. He also called for coordinated intelligence operations, noting that local populations are aware of the criminals’ locations but are often too intimidated to act.
The APC chieftain concluded by asserting that the problem is deeper than political leaders often acknowledge and that decisive action is required to end the criminality plaguing the Southeast.
