The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been called on
by Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue, drawing parallels to the historic surrender of Biafra to the federal government on January 13, 1970, which ended the Nigerian Civil War.
Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro’s Executive Director, in a statement marking the 53rd anniversary of the Biafra surrender, emphasized the need to honor the peace agreement that prioritized reconciliation and national unity.
Hamzat criticized IPOB’s violent approach, stating it contradicts the peaceful resolution adopted by Biafran leaders over five decades ago.
The human rights ambassador urged IPOB to choose dialogue as a pathway to addressing grievances and fostering national harmony.
The organisation reminded IPOB that the declaration of “No Victor, No Vanquished” by the Federal Government laid the foundation for rebuilding and reintegration.
“The continued pursuit of violence by IPOB dishonors the memory of those who chose peace to stop further bloodshed in the South East during the Biafra war,” the statement said.
It condemned calls for the unconditional release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu without a commitment to peace, describing it as a misguided approach that cannot achieve lasting stability or development.
“True peace and progress require acknowledgment of mistakes and a change in approach. IPOB’s violent activities have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and devastated the economy of the Southeast,” the statement noted.
The foundation further called on IPOB to recognise that sustainable peace is built on non-violent advocacy and peaceful negotiation, aligning with democratic principles and respect for human life, adding that despite the fictionalization of IPOB and attempt by various factions to denounce the other, both factions cannot be exonerated from the crisis in South East, especially with the activities of the unknown gunmen and both factions must unite to take responsibility and work with federal government to end insecurity in the region.
The organisation also urged the federal government to remain committed to inclusive dialogue, justice, and equity, ensuring that grievances are addressed within the framework of national unity.
“As the country reflects on the lessons of the civil war, PeacePro reaffirmed its resolve to promote peace, and reconciliation across Nigeria, highlighting that dialogue, not conflict, is the path to a prosperous and united nation,” the statement added.
