By Adekoya Abayomi Samson
A socio-cultural organization, Rescue Alaigbo, has called for justice for victims of violence allegedly perpetrated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), urging the judiciary to proceed with the ongoing trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, without political interference.
Speaking at a protests on Thursday in Abuja, the group’s co-convener, Chizorom Ofoegbu, said the organization, made up of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, was established to “restore ultimate peace in Alaigbo and seek justice for the victims of IPOB/ESN bandits and terrorists.”
Ofoegbu expressed dismay over what he described as the “politicization of the suffering of victims” in several local government areas across Imo, Anambra, and Enugu States that have witnessed repeated attacks attributed to IPOB/ESN members.
“Human life is no longer sacred,” he said. “Entire communities in Orlu, Njaba, Oru East, Orsu, Ihiala, and other parts of the South-East have been ruined by criminal elements acting
under the instructions of their leader.”
He alleged that law enforcement personnel have remained prime t
argets of IPOB and ESN attacks, noting that many officers have been killed or displaced, leaving behind grieving families. The group also lamented that northern traders and other non-indigenes have suffered losses, including looted goods and stolen vehicles, due to the activities of the secessionist group.
According to Ofoegbu, attempts by some political actors to frame Nnamdi Kanu’s legal battle as an “Igbo versus Federal Government” issue were misleading and dangerous.
“Our elected officials are trying to paint Kanu’s case as an Igbo affair, which unfairly ties Ndigbo to his crimes,” he said. “Let it be clear: IPOB is Nnamdi Kanu’s private company registered as IPOB Worldwide Limited in the United Kingdom. IPOB is not Igbo, and Nnamdi Kanu represents only himself.”
Rescue Alaigbo urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) and other authorities to allow Justice Omotosho, who is handling Kanu’s case, to discharge his constitutional duties without interference.
“We have been following the matter for four years,” Ofoegbu said. “His lawyers have filed multiple processes to stall the trial. Justice must not be delayed any further.”
The group further demanded the maximum lawful punishment for those found guilty of 
violent crimes, arguing that failure to sanction past offenders has emboldened newer agitators.
“Had late Odumegwu Ojukwu been punished, there would not have been a Ralph Uwazuruike. Had Uwazuruike been punished, there would not have been a Nnamdi Kanu,” Ofoegbu declared. “Punishment of evil deeds breeds normalcy; rewarding them breeds more evil.”
He concluded by reaffirming that the group will continue to advocate for victims and ensure that peace, accountability, and justice prevail across the South-East.
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