Simon Ekpa: The Mastermind Behind the Terrorization of Igbo Land and the Destruction of IPOB

Simon Ekpa: The Mastermind Behind the Terrorization of Igbo Land and the Destruction of IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a freedom fighting group formed by Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu, has been at the forefront of the struggle for the restoration of the Biafra nation. However, the group's efforts have been undermined by the actions of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-based Nigerian who has been accused of taking a contract to terrorize Igbo land and destroy IPOB.

Ekpa, a former member of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and a silver medal winner for Nigeria, joined the activities of Nnamdi Kanu and started preaching Biafra on his social media handles. However, after Kanu's rendition in 2021, Ekpa claimed to be the disciple of the IPOB leader and made announcements that he had been authorized to take over Radio Biafra by Kanu from DSS detention.

The IPOB leadership rejected Ekpa's claim, suspecting that it may be a game play of the Nigeria state to overtake Biafra radio and destroy IPOB through misinformation. Ekpa immediately claimed to form his own online radio called EnterBiafra, and started acting as the leader of the Autopilot of IPOB, a group of people who claimed they wanted to act without the order of anyone.

Ekpa's ideology of fighting is force and arm struggle, which has led to the terrorization of innocent people, and his enforced sit-at-home orders have caused immense harm to the economy and livelihoods of the people. His actions have been widely condemned, and many have called for his extradition to Nigeria to face the consequences of his actions.

The Nigerian government has accused Ekpa of sponsoring terrorism in the South-East, and the Finnish authorities have arrested him on charges related to terrorism. The IPOB has denied any relationship with Ekpa, stating that he has no connection with the group or its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Ekpa's rise to prominence began after Nnamdi Kanu's rendition in 2021. He took advantage of the power vacuum created by Kanu's absence and began to recruit fighters and establish his own command structure. He created states and handed them over to his commanders, who were responsible for recruiting fighters and carrying out attacks.

In Orsu, the IPOB leadership shut down one of their Eastern Security Network (ESN) camps due to financial constraints. The financial head of IPOB was accused of starving the leadership of funds, making it difficult for the ESN to sustain their ground. Simon Ekpa took advantage of this situation and began to recruit fighters from the disbanded camp, promising them weapons and funding. Some of the commanders, including Baby Lion, Double Lion, and Buteuzor, were among those who defected to Ekpa's camp.

Ekpa's actions have had a devastating impact on Igbo land and IPOB. His ideology of force and arm struggle has led to the terrorization of innocent people, and his enforced sit-at-home orders have caused immense harm to the economy and livelihoods of the people.

The IPOB leadership has accused Ekpa of working with the Nigerian government to destroy IPOB and undermine the Biafra struggle. They have also accused him of using the Biafra struggle to enrich himself and fund his own personal agenda.

Ekpa's activities have been particularly devastating in Enugu Ezike, where his commanders have been responsible for carrying out attacks and enforcing sit-at-home orders. Similarly, in Anambra state, Ekpa's commanders have been responsible for carrying out attacks and enforcing sit-at-home orders.

Ironically, the majority of Ekpa's fighters are from Ebonyi state, while the indigenes of each locality serve as commanders and governors. This has led to concerns that Ekpa is using the Biafra struggle to exploit and manipulate the people of Igbo land.

The situation in Igbo land has been volatile, with reports of kidnappings, killings, and enforced sit-at-home orders. Many have blamed Ekpa's actions for the insecurity in the region, and some have called for his extradition to Nigeria to face justice.

However, others have argued that Ekpa should be allowed to face the law in Finland, citing concerns that he may not receive a fair trial in Nigeria. The debate has sparked a heated discussion, with many weighing in on the best course of action.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that Simon Ekpa's actions must be condemned and those responsible for the terrorization of Igbo land must be held accountable. Whether Ekpa faces justice in Finland or Nigeria, one thing is certain: his actions will not be tolerated, and those responsible for the harm caused to Igbo land and IPOB will be brought to justice.

The IPOB and the Nigerian government must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the international community must support efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The people of Igbo land deserve peace 

Glintnews Chisom Ogbonna from Enugu.