The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Army of creating conditions that have worsened insecurity in the South-East, alleging that the recent attack on a Catholic church in Udi Local Government Area forms part of what it described as a wider campaign of violence against communities in the region.
The allegations were made during the first weekly address of the organisation's newly inaugurated 4th Administration of the Directorate of State, delivered on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by its Head, Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ. According to him, the address marks the beginning of a weekly engagement through which the organisation intends to provide updates on its activities, security concerns in the South-East, and its continued campaign for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking extensively on the attack at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa community, Udi Local Government Area, Nwaọgụ described the incident as deeply disturbing and symbolic of the worsening security situation across the South-East. The attack reportedly occurred during a Sunday Mass on August 2, when armed men stormed the church premises, allegedly abducting worshippers, including a seminarian.
According to him, the incident left members of the congregation traumatised, with women reportedly gathering outside the church in the rain while protesting what they described as the growing insecurity affecting their communities. He added that although one of the abducted victims had reportedly regained freedom, two others were still being held by their captors at the time of his address.
Nwaọgụ alleged that the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Army were indirectly responsible for the worsening security situation by allegedly weakening local security arrangements while failing to confront criminal elements operating in the region. He further claimed that government authorities had continued to target and demonise the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security outfit established by IPOB, instead of focusing attention on those allegedly responsible for violent attacks.
According to the IPOB official, the failure of the state government to publicly condemn the church attack was troubling and raised serious concerns. He argued that the dismantling of community-based security structures previously maintained by ESN had left many communities vulnerable to attacks by criminal elements.
In defending the activities of ESN, Nwaọgụ described the security outfit as a protective force established to safeguard communities, churches, farmlands and homes across what IPOB refers to as Biafraland. He maintained that ESN operatives had played a significant role in preventing attacks and protecting residents despite persistent pressure from security agencies.
He praised members of the outfit for what he described as their sacrifices and dedication, insisting that their activities had contributed to reducing the scale of violent attacks in several communities. According to him, efforts by the government to designate ESN as a terrorist organisation had undermined its ability to continue providing community protection.
The IPOB leader also linked the region's current security challenges to the continued detention of the group's leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He argued that Kanu's absence following his arrest and extraordinary rendition in June 2021 created opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation and worsen insecurity across the South-East.
While making his argument, Nwaọgụ referred to several previous incidents involving security operations in the region, including events at Nkpọ, Igweocha, National High School Aba and the military operation conducted at Kanu's residence in Afaraukwu Ibeku. He questioned the justification for those operations and maintained that Kanu's continued detention remained unlawful.
According to him, the legal charges filed against the IPOB leader failed to disclose any offence recognised under Nigerian law. He also cited previous pronouncements by the Supreme Court regarding the necessity of a valid charge in criminal proceedings, insisting that Kanu should be released unconditionally.
Beyond security issues, IPOB used the weekly address to unveil a new media platform known as Radio Biafra Homeland. Nwaọgụ announced that the station would commence live broadcasts later in the week through its official website, stating that it would serve as the authentic voice of the movement under the current leadership.
He explained that the decision followed internal disagreements within the organisation, which resulted in the expulsion of certain members from the previous administration. According to him, only platforms operating under the name "Radio Biafra Homeland" should be regarded as officially recognised by the present leadership.
Nwaọgụ further claimed that individuals expelled from the organisation now operate separately under what he described as the Igwebuike Group, while insisting that IPOB remains united under its newly constituted 4th Administration. He stressed that loyalty to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains central to the organisation's activities and objectives.
The IPOB leader also disclosed plans to organise a world press conference aimed at drawing international attention to what the organisation described as persistent human rights violations against its members and supporters.
According to him, the planned conference would focus on allegations of enforced disappearances, unlawful killings, torture and other abuses allegedly committed by Nigerian security agencies. He said the event would provide an opportunity to present what the organisation considers evidence of these alleged violations before the international community.
On the international front, Nwaọgụ stated that IPOB had continued diplomatic engagements in Jerusalem and Washington as part of efforts to secure broader international support for its cause.
He claimed that discussions concerning the Biafra issue had taken place within Israel's parliament, the Knesset, while also alleging that a motion seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu had been introduced before members of the United States Congress.
The IPOB official also reacted to Nigeria's appointment of an Igbo ambassador to Israel, describing the development as a routine diplomatic decision that would not influence the organisation's campaign for Kanu's release or alter its pursuit of what it described as the restoration of Biafra.
Reaffirming the organisation's position, Nwaọgụ restated several demands, including the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other individuals IPOB describes as prisoners of conscience.
He also called for stronger action against those the organisation identifies as the perpetrators of insecurity in the South-East, including armed bandits, Fulani herders and their alleged collaborators. Additionally, he urged authorities to recognise what IPOB described as the contribution of ESN to protecting communities across the region.
The group further accused some South-East state governments of adopting policies that allegedly expose communities to attacks, while calling for measures that would improve security and protect residents.
Addressing IPOB supporters across Nigeria and in the diaspora, Nwaọgụ appealed for continued unity, discipline and peaceful advocacy. He encouraged members not to become discouraged despite ongoing security challenges and reiterated the organisation's commitment to pursuing self-determination through what it described as lawful means.
He also confirmed that the weekly address would become a regular feature through which members and supporters would receive updates on the organisation's programmes, campaigns and future activities.
As part of its mobilisation strategy, IPOB announced the introduction of what it called "Compulsory Tweet Tuesday," encouraging supporters around the world to participate in coordinated social media campaigns every Tuesday.
According to Nwaọgụ, supporters are expected to use the hashtags #FreeMaziNnamdiKanu and #FreeNnamdiKanu, while scheduling posts, retweeting content and amplifying the group's message across various social media platforms.
Concluding his address, the IPOB official offered prayers for families whose relatives remain missing, sought divine protection for members of the Eastern Security Network, and expressed optimism about what he described as the eventual achievement of the group's objectives.
He ended the broadcast by reaffirming the organisation's longstanding slogan, declaring that "Biafra lives" and adding that "the struggle continues."
