Southerners should be aware that their investments in Lagos State are not protected, according to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). For Igbos to continue investing in Lagos, according to the Biafran group, would be lying.
This warning was conveyed in a statement by IPOB’s media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, on Monday.
The statement read in part; “The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu has been drawn to the deceptive letter from a group of faceless Yoruba Leaders and Stakeholders calling on Igbo communities in Lagos State for a dialogue.”
“Ndigbo must not fall into any deception to continue investments in Lagos State, where their investments are not protected.”
The group stated that it was not against dialogue between Yorubas and Igbos in Lagos.
It also stated that “IPOB will object to any dialogue that is intended to lure Ndigbo to continue investing in the hostile environment of Lagos State.”
IPOB claims that Nigeria has rejected Ndigbo “with exclusivity and ethnic bigotryNdigbo have lost millions of investments and lives in the Northern and Western regions of Nigeria.”
The statement further read; “In the North, Ndigbo are always the victims of any religious and political riots during which Northerners destroy, loot, and burn down businesses and properties belonging to Ndigbo.”
“Recently, in the Western Region particularly in Lagos State, Biafrans businesses and properties have been targeted by the Lagos state Government criminals, and we will no longer tolerate for our people to continue investing in Yoruba land.”
“Lagos State is not Igboland. Lagos State government has demolished properties and investment of Ndigbo. Many Igbo dominated markets in Lagos have either been demolished or burnt down and taken over by the Lagos State government. On the basis of the aforementioned, any Igbo person investing in the Northern and Western Regions of Nigeria needs DNA tests,” the statement added.
IPOB’s warning message, which asks Igbos to think twice before investing in Lagos, is a reflection of broader sociopolitical tensions and long-standing frustrations in Nigeria. Even if Lagos continues to be a top location for business prospects, worries about how investments will be safeguarded in the face of alleged sociopolitical unpredictability cannot be disregarded. The response to IPOB’s command highlights how intricately historical narratives, economic interests, and aspirations for self-determination interact inside Nigeria. In the future, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all Nigerians can prosper economically and socially will depend heavily on constructive discourse and efforts to address underlying issues.