The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised the alarm over an alleged assassination plot against the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
IPOB disclosed this in a statement signed and issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, on Sunday.
The secessionist group claimed that some desperate and unscrupulous elements have perfected plans to attack the former Vice President and blame it on IPOB’s security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The pro-Biafra group noted that the endgame of the plotters was to stoke crisis in the Southern region of the country, and subsequently incite attacks and genocide against Igbos across Nigeria.
It therefore warned people of the South-East extraction to thread with caution in the interim.
While condemning the Thursday’s assassination attempt on the Ebonyi State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Bernard Odoh, IPOB blamed the governor of the state over the alleged attacks and intimidation of opposition elements in the region.
The statement read: “In view of the state-sponsored insecurity ravaging Nigeria, we, the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra under the command and leadership of the great liberator, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu, wish to alert the public on the Intelligence report at our disposal of plans to attack Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the South-East and blame it on IPOB, ESN or the presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s supporters.
“IPOB intelligence unit, the M-Branch uncovered a plan by some unscrupulous politicians to cause crisis in the country against IPOB and Ndigbo all over the country.
“This group is planning to assassinate Atiku Abubakar in the southeastern part of Nigeria and claims it is done by unknown gunmen, ESN/IPOB, or the ‘Obidient’ group.
“This assassination attack will lead to the revolt against Ndigbo nationwide.
“It will also lead to riots against Igbos in the Northern and Western Regions of Nigeria. Ndigbo will be massacred mercilessly, and their properties will be destroyed. Even the supporters of Peter Obi will not be spared in these areas.
“We are drawing the attention of Biafrans around Nigeria to be very careful and cautious of this evil plot primarily targeted at Peter Obi and IPOB.