IPOB Slams Governor Soludo Over Comment Linking 99% of Anambra Criminals to Igbo Youths, Demands His Resignation

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of endangering Igbo youth and calling for his immediate resignation over what they describe as "reckless and inflammatory" remarks.

The backlash follows Soludo’s recent statement during a U.S. engagement, where he claimed that 99% of those arrested for kidnappings and killings in Anambra State are Igbos, not Fulani herdsmen as widely believed. IPOB labeled the comment “genocidally provocative” and warned that it could fuel more violence and extrajudicial actions against innocent young people in the South-East.

In a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group accused Soludo of arming enemies of the Igbo with dangerous rhetoric.

“Soludo has opened the gates of hell with his treacherous comments. He’s handed enemies of Ndigbo a weapon to justify raids, killings, and mass arrests disguised as security operations,” the statement read.

IPOB questioned the governor’s motives and accused him of seeking political favor with the federal establishment at the expense of his people. The group drew parallels between Soludo and Ukpabi Asika, a controversial figure during the Biafran War, alleging betrayal and abandonment of the Igbo cause.

They also criticized Soludo for failing to follow through on previous public support for the release of detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, calling his silence “cowardly” and politically motivated.

“The same Soludo who once called for Kanu’s release has now shown his true colors,” IPOB stated. “His loyalty lies not with his people, but with those oppressing them.”

IPOB demanded that Governor Soludo produce evidence for his claims and warned him to desist from what they termed "dangerous rhetoric" that could incite violence. The group insisted it remains a peaceful self-determination movement and denied involvement in any criminal activity.

“Such a man has no business holding public office. He should resign and seek psychiatric help,” the group added.

This clash comes amid growing security concerns in the South-East, where both state and non-state actors continue to be blamed for rising violence, kidnappings, and military operations. IPOB, proscribed by the Nigerian government in 2017, maintains that it is being scapegoated while political thugs and state-backed agents are responsible for much of the unrest.

Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor, has previously called for dialogue and a political solution to the Biafran agitation, but his recent remarks have deepened tensions with pro-Biafra supporters.