Nigerians have taken to social media to express their feelings after to the UK government has labelled the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization.
The Boris Johnson-led government made this known in an updated policy statement on asylum released through the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) on its website.
TheLeadng reports that the policy updated in May 2022 says it agrees with the government of Nigeria which labelled IPOB and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) as terrorist organizations.
The UK government also blamed IPOB and ESN led by the arrested Nnamdi Kanu for the increasing violence and human rights violations in the southeast region of the country, ordering its visa officials to exclude members of the group from its asylum programme.
Despite the general exclusion, the statement however pointed out that each case of an asylum application by persons who might be linked with the groups will still be considered on an individual basis.
Reacting to the development, some Nigerians supported the action of the UK government and further asked that all supporters of IPOB should not be granted visas into the country.
While others condemned the UK government for proscribing IPOB, saying the group is not responsible for the killings and violence in the South East.
Some of the reactions below:
When you speak up against Igbo marginalization in Nigeria many “One Nigerianists” will keep mute.
Once you mention Biafra as an option to save the Igbo destiny, they all run out and start screaming IPOB.
When you ask them to use their brains, they call you terrorist. 😅
— Chuka Nduneseokwu (@Chuka_ndu) May 5, 2022
Don’t let anyone emotionally blackmail you with Igbo is IPOB, or IPOB is Igbo.
IPOB is an organisation (terrorist organization as at today) registered in the UK.
IPOB isn’t Igbo and Igbo is not IPOB, let’s be guided. pic.twitter.com/XgWpofw7H2
— Ajị bussu 🏴☠️🏳️🌈 (@AfamDeluxo) May 5, 2022
In a time of no war, IPOB has killed more Igbo men and women than any other group in history. The only time South East was this hot was during Biafra war.
What IPOB represents is so terrifying we can’t even think of Bakassi Boys approach or Boys Oye.
SE lives in fear of IPOB
— Ozii Baba Anieto (@ozii_baba) May 5, 2022
IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never enforce sit at home using rag gunmen. The picture you see circulating on social media are from the expelled criminals trying to sabotage MNK. Today, they were no sit at home anywhere in Biafraland. Sit at home is 16th, 17th & 18th May 2022.
— Simon Ekpa (@simon_ekpa) May 5, 2022
To All IPOB and Sympathizers of the Struggle. I just wanna let you know that more Attacks and Blackmails from FG against IPOB/ESN are coming.Don’t fall for their cheap propagandas.
Always know that IPOB/ESN can never harm our people as that is not their Goal or target. #Imove✊
— Maximilian Ozo Max II (@maximilian_oz) May 4, 2022
IPOB is a de facto nation representing Biafrans with right to self-determination under Article 1 of the International Covenant on International Civil and Political Rights—ignored by the UK in 1960 in favor of Nigeria’s bribable criminal class. Time for legal redress in the ICJ. pic.twitter.com/3cRbn7S7jW
— Biafra The Promise Land (@BiafraTPL) May 5, 2022
