Anambra Governor Charles Soludo expressed doubt that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will end the ongoing security issues in the South-East.
Soludo said that criminals have exploited the Biafran cause, using it as a cover for illegal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
He pointed out that these criminals, driven by greed, no longer have any connection to the original Biafran liberation movement.
Soludo also noted that most of the criminals arrested in Anambra were Igbo, with a significant portion coming from outside the state.
He dismissed any connection between Kanu’s release and the cessation of crime, revealing that the criminals involved were now focused on monetary gain rather than any political cause.
The governor further criticized the support some local communities provide to these criminals, making it harder for security forces to take action.
“The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs.
“They hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra. Let us be clear—this has nothing to do with any liberation movement. Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These people have tasted blood, and now, money is their motivation.
“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals.
“Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their own people?
“Our people know these criminals. They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbours.
“It’s unfortunate that in some communities, people contribute food to sustain these criminals hiding in the forests. How do you fight insecurity when people see criminals as heroes and the police as the enemy?”he said.
