IPOB alleged that the killings occurred when Nigerian soldiers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Tuesday held “Trump Solidarity Rallies” across parts of the South-East, with demonstrators renewing calls for the immediate and unconditional release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a press release issued by its Media and Publicity Directorate, IPOB stated that the rallies and peaceful marches took place simultaneously in Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states, drawing participation from youths, women and elders.
According to the group, the rallies were organised both in solidarity and in remembrance of ‘Biafrans’ (southeasterners) who were killed nine years ago during protests held on the day of former United States President Donald Trump’s first inauguration.
“Youths, women, and elders came out in large numbers to peacefully demonstrate in solidarity and in remembrance of our people who were brutally killed exactly nine years ago during the first inauguration of President Donald Trump,” the statement said.
IPOB alleged that the killings occurred when Nigerian soldiers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators.
“Nigerian soldiers, acting under the directives of the then ruling APC-led government, opened fire on unarmed Biafran demonstrators,” the group said.
Despite what it described as persistent insecurity and repression in the region, IPOB said ‘Biafrans’ remained undeterred.
WATCH: IPOB Holds ‘Trump Solidarity’ Rallies In Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi; Demands Nnamdi Kanu’s Release pic.twitter.com/oUr1ZQKMF2
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“Despite the ongoing and relentless pogrom in Biafraland, and the atmosphere of intimidation, persecution and insecurity deliberately imposed on the South-East, Biafrans continue to defy fear and oppression,” the statement read. “A people determined to be free cannot be permanently subdued.”
The group said protesters carried placards, banners and photographs of Nnamdi Kanu, whom they described as central to the current tensions in the region.
“Participants renewed their demand for his immediate and unconditional release, insisting that his continued detention remains a major catalyst for tension and instability,” IPOB stated.
The rallying crowd also reportedly called for broader accountability over past and present security issues in the South-East.
“The rallying crowd called for an independent inquiry into the Port Harcourt killings and the wider, worsening insecurity ravaging the South-East,” the statement said, adding that “truth, accountability and justice are indispensable to peace.”
IPOB maintained that its activities are non-violent and lawful, while appealing to security agencies and the international community.
“IPOB reiterates that all our activities remain peaceful and lawful,” the group said.
“We urge the security agencies to respect the fundamental rights of citizens to peaceful assembly.”
The organisation also called on foreign governments and human rights bodies to intervene.
“We call on the international community to take urgent interest in the deteriorating human rights situation in the South-East of Nigeria,” the statement added.