The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, opposing any plans to establish cattle ranches or settlement schemes such as RUGA in the South-East region. The group described such initiatives as a potential threat to the safety and autonomy of Igboland and vowed to resist any moves perceived as encroachments on their ancestral lands.
A Stern Warning
In a New Year broadcast, Chika Edoziem, the Head of IPOB’s Directorate of State, cautioned the federal government against attempting to implement cattle ranching policies in the region.
“To the Tinubu administration, IPOB has maintained a neutral stance towards your governance since you assumed office. Make no mistake, IPOB is not afraid of confrontation. Biafra land is out of bounds for any cattle ranching or settling scheme, whether in the form of RUGA or anything else,” Edoziem stated.
Historical Opposition
This warning aligns with IPOB’s longstanding opposition to the establishment of cattle ranches or similar projects in the South-East. The group has previously cautioned governors in the region against allocating land for such purposes, expressing fears that it could lead to the displacement and subjugation of indigenous communities.
Broader Concerns
IPOB’s statement reflects widespread apprehension among South-East residents regarding federal initiatives that could be interpreted as undermining their cultural and territorial integrity. The group views such policies as part of a larger agenda to diminish the autonomy of Igboland.
Call for Dialogue
The warning comes amid ongoing national debates on land use, ethnic relations, and security in Nigeria. Stakeholders in the South-East are urging the federal government to adopt culturally sensitive approaches to address these complex issues and avoid escalating tensions.
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