₦airaland Forum

ogugwa1992:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmRjG2hOGNU?si=zXcKiVl2z1_xjJ7S


_How Kanu’s IPOB and ESN Destroyed The Southeast_

By Chinonso Chukwuemeka

When the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) first emerged under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, it came with a loud message of self-determination and the promise of liberating the Southeast from what it called “political and economic marginalization.” To many, it sounded like a bold, revolutionary voice for a region long frustrated with governance failures and underdevelopment. But what began as an ideology of hope has, over time, turned into a nightmare that has crippled the economy, shattered peace, and divided the very people it claimed to represent.

From Agitation to Anarchy

The turning point came with the creation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in 2020. Initially sold as a vigilante outfit to protect Igbo farmlands from invading herders, ESN soon morphed into an armed militia. Its operations quickly went beyond protecting lives and property. Armed men claiming loyalty to IPOB began enforcing Kanu’s orders, attacking police stations, killing security operatives, and burning government facilities. The Southeast gradually became a region under siege.

The so-called “sit-at-home” directives, first introduced to protest Kanu’s detention, soon became an instrument of terror. Even after IPOB’s leadership publicly announced its suspension, self-styled enforcers continued to brutalize innocent citizens who dared to go about their daily lives. Markets were shut down, transporters stopped working, and schoolchildren stayed home out of fear. The result has been years of economic paralysis and social anxiety.

Economic and Social Ruin

Before the IPOB-ESN crisis, the Southeast was known for its vibrant trade, industrious people, and growing private-sector investments. Today, many businesses have relocated to Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of Nigeria. The once-bustling cities of Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi now record fewer commercial activities on Mondays—the unofficial “ghost day” forced by IPOB militants. Transport unions have collapsed in some areas, and the hospitality sector continues to bleed.

According to reports by local chambers of commerce, the region loses billions of naira weekly to the sit-at-home order. Artisans, traders, and daily wage earners who make up the majority of the workforce are the worst hit. The insecurity has also driven away investors, with kidnappings and targeted killings becoming a grim routine.

The Human Cost

Beyond the economic toll, the Southeast has witnessed deep social trauma. Families have lost breadwinners to senseless killings. Youths have been radicalized or lured into militancy, creating a generation for whom violence has become a form of expression. Communities that once prided themselves on unity and progress now live in fear of their own sons.

The irony is painful: the movement that claimed to fight for the emancipation of the Igbo has become the region’s greatest oppressor. While Kanu remains in detention, splinter groups and criminal elements now use his name to justify their atrocities, from extortion and abduction to targeted assassinations. The Southeast has become a theatre of chaos, not freedom.

Time for Honest Reflection

It is time for the Southeast to tell itself the hard truth. IPOB and ESN have done more harm than good. The region’s political leaders, religious authorities, and traditional rulers must come together to rebuild peace and restore confidence in lawful governance. Igbo youths must channel their energy into constructive engagement, not violence.

Self-determination can not be achieved through fear and bloodshed. No region can develop under the shadow of guns and anarchy. The dream of a prosperous Igbo homeland will only be realized through dialogue, investment, education, and unity, not through militancy.

Conclusion

What began as a movement for justice has become a tragic lesson in how extremism destroys its own cause. The Southeast must rise again, not under the banner of violence or secession, but under the banner of peace, enterprise, and renewed leadership. The time to reclaim the soul of the region is now.


*Chinonso Chukwuemeka writes from Akwa, Anambra state*

Cj4charles:
Story upon story, when will someone write about how the government pulled the first trigger that started this whole thing..... don't forget to tell how the military was ordered to shoot unarmed civilians in Abuja for carrying ordinary flags which started this whole brouhaha. Something that a dialogue would have settled, the government choose to kill them and in return the Igbos started attacking military formations in the Eastern region.. to me that was the foundation of all these

SonOfDSoil01:
is SE not the biggest loser in all this? Are the people being killed and kidnapped daily in SE not ibo? Even majority of the uniformed men and women killed are ibos, even your region as now been deserted and no one will think of investing in such an insecure and safe environment, so tell us who is the loser here? When we tell you clowns that your nzobu nzobu approach will take you no where, you clowns will starting insulting divergent views now you all are like displaced people in other region now causing problems for your hosts

Babaken:
But boko haram and bandit are building the northan part of Nigeria very strong.

Cj4charles:
So you expect the Igbos to just sit and watch the government use it military wing to kill them and not expect a revenge from them?? I don't support the actions from both party, You calling yourself & people clowns doesn't consign me, all I know is two wrongs don't make it right

Moniya4Real:
Lonatan! It is finished! Is it a competition? So, you are comparing yourself with Bokoharam. Na wa o.

Babaken:
But boko haram and bandit are building the northan part of Nigeria very strong.

SonOfDSoil01:
ndi revenge….how far as your revenge taken you? You think you can fight govt and win? Your region is now taking the fall for your so called revenge. You are still here boasting and defending your ipob nonsense, you can continue destroying your region, it doesn’t not affect the economy of the rest of the country.

Babaken:
But boko haram and bandit are building the northan part of Nigeria very strong.

Obiedun:
I am happy you are comparing two terrorist groups. Now that you agree that ipob is a terrorist group, it will be dealt with as such. For boko Haram, some of them have been neutralized and I hope ipob must also be neutralized. Where is the leader of Boko Haram? I know you will be happy if leaders of ipob van ho to where he is now. Some Boko Haram are in jail, so Kanu is also in jail.

Cj4charles:
If you think they are destroying their region why are you crying more than the bereaved because it seems like you are the one most affected than the way I see it

bluefilm:
They should just release the guy

No need for all these long story

Idaytesj29:
Boko Haram and iPob ESN are same. Terrorist Groups.

Babaken:
But boko haram and bandit are building the northan part of Nigeria very strong.

Babaken:
My point is this federal government is treating B.K with kids glove dss can easily trace content creator that insults top politicians or minister through his phone number or IP address but their can't do that to boko haram and bandits that's calling demanding for ransom or doing showing off on TikTok. I don't support any organization or groups that is taking life and destroying property.

Obiedun:
You are not being truthful. Many of them have been killed and are still been killed. I think you will want the same thing to happen to Kanu and his group. The repentant among them are released. Has Kanu and his group ever repented? My observation is that if any of your family members was a victim of kanu's wickedness you will not come here and be saying all this.

Babaken:
ipob is not organization of crime and destroying of people's property federal and state government push them to that angle most of those crimes top powerful politicians sponsors thugs to label ipob bad names.
At least everyone know the reason why ipob were form.
Can you tell me the reason why boko haram and bandit is terrorizing the country you said repentant boko haram is their anything like repentant boko haram or bandits most of those you call repentant are they not the same people that are been captured in the forest.

If you are saying FG is been fair and transparent in the whole thing how many time has court set nnamdi kalu free why he has not been released all the name of boko haram and bandit sponsors why hasn't government bring them out to answer query.

Babaken:
ipob is not organization of crime and destroying of people's property federal and state government push them to that angle most of those crimes top powerful politicians sponsors thugs to label ipob bad names.
At least everyone know the reason why ipob were form.
Can you tell me the reason why boko haram and bandit is terrorizing the country you said repentant boko haram is their anything like repentant boko haram or bandits most of those you call repentant are they not the same people that are been captured in the forest.

If you are saying FG is been fair and transparent in the whole thing how many time has court set nnamdi kalu free why he has not been released all the name of boko haram and bandit sponsors why hasn't government bring them out to answer query.

2mch:
You are equating Putin with Nnamdi Kanu? Hahahaha. Go and release Kanu now. You will watch him convicted and sentenced to death and nothing will happen. IPOB under his direction killed security agents. You better stop deceiving Kanu.

bluefilm:
They should just release the guy

No need for all these long story

jmoore:
APC Tinubu government is not different from Nnamdi Kanu.

APC Tinubu government has released thousands of Boko Haram fighters.