The Indigenous People of Biafra has said it produces its arms locally.
The secessionist group stated this on Thursday while debunking allegation credited to the Department of State Services that IPOB was plotting to attack banks to get money to purchase arms.
The Media and Publicity Secretary of the group, Emma Powerful, described the allegation as a poor script.
He said, “We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally.
While assuring banks in the area of safety, the pro-Biafra publicist said IPOB members were freedom fighters and not criminals.
The group’s statement read in part, “The DSS is propelling this wicked propaganda to blackmail Eastern Security Network and IPOB, and dent our global reputation.
“IPOB and ESN are not criminals and we have no plans or agenda to touch any institution particularly banks.
“We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally and cannot attack or kidnap anybody for ransom. “We don’t inflict pains on the people we are fighting for their freedom. DSS must stop this rubbish and engage their time on something more meaningful. This poor script cannot fly… ESN has never left its mandate which is to defend Biafra land against Fulani terrorists and killer herdsmen.”
The statement added, “All banks in Biafraland must be wary of the DSS because it is possible they are planning to sponsor attacks on banks and turn around as usual to blame it on IPOB and ESN.”
The group added that any armed robbery gang that would in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of IPOB and ESN would regret their action.
Gunmen attack bank in Anambra, hoist Biafra flags
Unknown Gunmen on Thursday attacked a First Bank Plc branch in Abagana, Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State, shooting sporadically into the air, dispersing bank customers and passersby.
A source said the gunmen, numbering about ten, drove a black Honda Pilot Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the bank, and shot in all directions, causing panic, while also hoisting Biafra flags at the bank’s gate when all had fled.
A source said, “They also set fire on a Nissan Pathfinder SUV with registration number UR 640 KJA and smashed the glasses of a Honda car with registration number FST 456 AC, parked in front of the bank.”
Normal human and vehicular movements, however, continued after the gunmen left.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga confirmed the attack to journalists but said he was working on a reaction to the attack.
As at the time of filing this report, he was yet to give the official position of the Command, casualty figures or those involved.
