The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has sharply criticized those behind the “IgboMustGo” campaign in the South-West geopolitical zone, insisting that it is time for a referendum to determine the Igbo’s exit from Nigeria.

IPOB expressed disdain for the South-Western authorities’ dismissive attitude toward the campaign and asserted that the Igbo people are firmly established and unfazed by such threats.

The group alleged that influential figures within the Lagos State and Federal governments are behind the “IgboMustGo” movement and cautioned Southerners to be wary of these actions in the South-West

Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Director of Media and Publicity, said these in a statement on Monday.

The statement read: “Following the provocative and genocidal ‘IgboMustGo’ protest planned for August 20-30, 2024, by some anonymous Yoruba groups and individuals, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) reminds these anti-Igbo groups that Ndigbo are ready to leave Yoruba land and Nigeria through a referendum. We will not be intimidated by any group or individual into leaving any state or region in Nigeria.

It is laughable that Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been reported as condemning the ‘IgboMustGo’ protest. The governor’s condemnation is hypocritical, as he was the first to target Ndigbo with his biased demolition of their businesses and properties in Lagos State. There is a high likelihood that the ‘IgboMustGo’ proponents are supported by high-profile figures in both the Lagos State and Federal Governments.

Despite this, Ndigbo remain unshaken. We are prepared for any opportunity to leave Nigeria whenever it arises. However, we prefer a peaceful and democratic exit to maintain good relations. If forced into a violent exit, it could lead to ongoing hostility.

“The Yoruba and their sponsors must understand that Ndigbo are undeterred by threats. Our decision to exit Nigeria is firm, and we reject any threats or genocidal agendas associated with the ‘IgboMustGo’ protest.

Instead of threatening unconstitutionally and violently to expel Ndigbo from the Yoruba region, they should urge President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and organize a referendum for Ndigbo to choose between Biafra and Nigeria. We are ready to vote and leave Nigeria and the Yoruba region in peace. We are more determined to exit Nigeria now than we were in the 1960s.

The ongoing ‘EndBadGovernance’ protests, organized by Yoruba and Fulani, are seen as attempts to lure Ndigbo into destruction. Ndigbo have learned from past experiences and chose not to participate in these protests to avoid being targeted. The risks faced by Ndigbo in Northern and Western regions if they had participated are clear. Ndigbo have always suffered from being the victims in Nigerian protests.

“Although Ndigbo face economic hardship due to Tinubu’s government, they have opted out of protests to avoid becoming targets. The conditions reminiscent of the genocidal war against Biafrans in 1967-1970 are reappearing. Ndigbo face threats from both Western and Northern regions.

“We urge Ndigbo in the North and West to return home quickly. No threats will deter IPOB from our mission to restore Biafra.

“We call on the international community to recognize the existential threat against Ndigbo in Nigeria. Human Rights Organizations, the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), African Union (AU), and all advocates for freedom should note that Biafrans are endangered within Nigeria. The ethnic profiling and hatred against Ndigbo are evident in security, politics, and economics.

“Suppressing the call for a Biafra referendum is tantamount to supporting genocide against Ndigbo. Like our predecessors, we are committed to defending ourselves from those seeking to annihilate us. We are not concerned with the arrest of ‘IgboMustGo’ agitators, as they are mere tools for powerful figures in Yoruba land.

“We advise focusing on convincing President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and arrange a Biafra referendum. Threats to expel Ndigbo are a sign of weakness and cowardice. Ndigbo are ready to exit Yoruba land and Nigeria without delay.”

It will be recalled that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned the call for Igbo people to leave Lagos and the South-West in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile