The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) has dared Northern youth groups to do their worst regarding the rejection of Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) for herdsmen in the South-East geo-political zone.
State governors in the region had rejected the creation of Ruga settlements for herders in their domain. They have also banned the movement of cows in the region by foot.
The rejection triggered a 30-day ultimatum from the Northern youths under the aegis of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) to the governors urging them to backtrack on the stand regarding the settlements or have the security of their citizens residing in the North threatened.
But responding to the threat, the secessionist group in a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, dared the youths to do their worst.
The group proscribed in 2017, said although it remain a non-violent entity, it will not allow anyone to forceful take over lands giving to them by their ancestors.
“IPOB is a peaceful movement and must remain so but cannot allow anybody to trample on us by forcing our people to release their ancestral land to them,” Mr Powerful said.
“We are aware that cattle business remains personal business in Nigeria and cannot change today.
“The community’s ancestral lands are gifts from the God, handed over to us to dwell, on which must not be taken over under any guise by the government or Fulani.
“We challenge Fulani Islamists terrorists including their Arewa youths to do their worst after the expiration of the so-called 30 days ultimatum as was widely reported in every national and international media.
“We are anxiously and eagerly waiting for them in whatever shape they may want it,” he added.
