Thousands of supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra took to the streets of Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states on Tuesday in a largely peaceful demonstration tagged a “Trump Solidarity Rally,” renewing calls for the unconditional release of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protesters, drawn from different age groups including youths, women and elderly persons, marched through major streets carrying placards, banners and large photographs of Kanu, while chanting slogans demanding his immediate freedom and justice for Biafran activists allegedly killed during past demonstrations.
Kanu, who is facing treason-related charges, is currently in detention following his conviction, a development IPOB has consistently described as politically motivated.
The rally, according to the group, was also held to commemorate the ninth anniversary of a similar protest organised in 2017 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which IPOB claimed was violently dispersed by security agencies, resulting in the deaths of several unarmed protesters.
In a statement issued after the protest by its Media and Publicity Directorate, IPOB said the rally was meant to remind Nigerians and the international community of what it described as “brutal killings” of its members and the continued insecurity in the South-East.
“The resolve of Biafrans to live as free people in the land of their ancestors remains unbroken,” the group said, adding that its members turned out in large numbers to demonstrate peacefully in solidarity and in remembrance of those it claimed were killed during the 2017 protest.
IPOB also renewed its call for an independent investigation into alleged human-rights abuses in the South-East, insisting that accountability was critical to resolving the region’s lingering political and security challenges.
The group further urged security agencies to respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, warning that the continued detention of Kanu remained a major source of tension in the region.
Speaking on the protest, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the group’s agitation remained non-violent.
“Our struggle is peaceful. All we ask for is justice, accountability and the release of our leader. We will not be silenced,” he said.
IPOB also called on the international community, including the United States under President Donald Trump, to take interest in what it described as the deteriorating human-rights situation in the South-East, insisting that lasting peace could not be achieved without addressing the grievances of the Biafran people.
