The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said that the only ultimatum it issued over the Ugwuleshi 76 in Awgu, Enugu State was not with reprisal intentions as the organisation has never been violent in its agitations.

In a statement signed by IPOB Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Emma Powerful, entitled ‘Of Rabble Rousers and Agent Provocateurs’ and made available to journalist yesterday, the group said it has become necessary to clarify its position because of calls from wellmeaning citizens.

“It has become absolutely necessary (due to calls from well-meaning citizens), to state publicly, that we do not have any intention, let alone, plan to attack Northerners resident in the Eastern region in the name of reprisal attacks.

“We are not a violent organisation; we are a peace loving mass movement, with branches in 98 countries, desirous of freedom from a ruthless, tyrannical oppressor who has held us down for decades,” it said.

The group further stated: “Our prayer to be free to determine our future and that of our children is legitimate and divine. We don’t have any reason whatsoever to attack and kill people in cold blood. We were mindlessly mowed down in Port Harcourt, Onitsha Obodo-Ukwu Road, Onitsha Bridge head and while praying at a school compound in Aba. We endured all with equanimity. Those who killed and buried hundreds of our members suddenly turned around to falsely accuse us of killing five of their kinsmen, the whole world rose in our defense. We can never get down low to kill people in cold blood. We are not animals.

“As we steadfastly march towards freedom (ala the Czechoslovakia-style) we hope to maintain friendly relations and cordial trade agreements with our neighbors.

“We don’t plan to create a hostile environment for our emerging new nation.”

IPOB also stated that the calls for it to cancel its threats and ultimatum was uncalled for, but should be directed to rabble rousers and agent provocateurs who found their voices only after the Uzo-Uwani massacre.