The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has made an appeal to the Italian government, urging them to cease the ongoing sales of arms and air-force jets to Nigeria.
The group, represented by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, expressed grave concerns over the Nigerian government’s alleged flagrant violations of human rights, citing instances where arms procured from foreign sources were purportedly used to suppress innocent civilians, particularly in the South-East region.
In a statement issued by Emma Powerful, IPOB highlighted the urgent need for the Italian government to reassess its arms deals with Nigeria, emphasizing the reported misuse of military equipment intended for counter-terrorism efforts. The group contended that instead of combating terrorism, the Nigerian military has allegedly targeted peaceful communities and unarmed IPOB members, resulting in casualties and the displacement of indigenous peoples.
According to IPOB, the Italian government, along with other countries considering arms sales to Nigeria, should impose an arms embargo due to concerns regarding the misuse of weaponry and the alleged failure to address security challenges effectively.
IPOB drew attention to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, alleging deliberate attacks on IDP camps by the Nigerian military. The group condemned such actions as egregious violations of international humanitarian law and called for accountability and justice for the victims.
In the appeal, IPOB clarified that its intention is not to interfere with the Italian government’s business but rather to raise awareness of the alleged misuse of arms supplied to Nigeria.
