By Seremedia Staff Reporter
Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, founder of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has alleged that detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is continuing to influence and recruit Igbo youths for violent activities from prison.
Uwazuruike made the allegation while speaking during a recent interview, where he expressed concerns over the growing insecurity and continued unrest in parts of Nigeria’s South-East region.
According to him, Kanu’s prolonged detention has not reduced his influence among some youths, adding that the IPOB leader is allegedly using his position in detention to attract more supporters who embrace violent methods.
“Nnamdi Kanu is recruiting more Igbo youths from prison for violence,” Uwazuruike said while criticizing what he described as the increasing radicalization of young people in the South-East.
The former Biafra agitator further maintained that the agitation for self-determination should be pursued through peaceful and non-violent means rather than armed confrontation or attacks that could endanger lives and businesses.
Uwazuruike, who founded MASSOB in 1999 and has repeatedly advocated non-violent agitation, argued that violence has brought economic setbacks and insecurity to the South-East region. He urged Igbo youths to embrace dialogue, political engagement, and economic development instead of violent activities.
The comments come amid ongoing debates surrounding the activities of pro-Biafra groups and the continued detention of Kanu. Security agencies have on several occasions accused IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of involvement in violent incidents across parts of the South-East, allegations the group has repeatedly denied.
Kanu, who remains one of the most prominent figures in the Biafra agitation movement, has consistently maintained that his struggle is aimed at achieving self-determination for the people of the South-East. However, Nigerian authorities have accused him of incitement and terrorism-related offenses, which he has denied.
Uwazuruike also reiterated his opposition to violent agitation, stressing that any movement seeking justice or self-determination must avoid actions capable of causing loss of lives and destruction of property.
