The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is calling on Igbo youths to avoid joining the British Army, citing concerns about the implications for their identity and political stance.
A stern caution has been issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to young people in the South-East, advising them against joining in British army recruitment currently underway.
The group characterized the recruitment as a deceptive ploy with the intention to take advantage of and dispose of African soldiers.
IPOB’s statement highlighted the historical inequalities encountered by African soldiers who served Britain in World War I.
The group claims that numerous African soldiers who lost their lives defending Britain did not receive recognition, while those who survived were sent back to Africa without any compensation. This is in stark contrast to the treatment of British and European troops, who received both honors and payments for their service.
Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, stressed the importance of Biafran youths refusing any attempts to recruit them into a fight for a nation that shows no concern towards their well-being.
On Saturday, IPOB’s leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released a statement that strongly advised Biafran youths to avoid what he perceived as a perilous snare devised by the British government.
In a statement, the IPOB family led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu warns Biafran youths not to be enticed by the British government’s deceitful attempt to enlist them as Commonwealth citizens for their military in preparation for future conflicts.
IPOB brought attention to the fact that African soldiers played a crucial role in Britain’s military endeavors during World War I, but their efforts went largely unacknowledged. Despite making significant sacrifices and contributions, many Nigerian and West African soldiers were not given any recognition or compensation upon returning home after the war.
The collective cautioned about the danger of historical repetition as the British government attempts to enlist African troops, predominantly those from Biafra, for prospective battles. IPOB stresses that Biafrans must resist being exploited by a nation that has consistently shown little regard for their rights and welfare. They should not become mere pawns in this game of war.
In addition, IPOB censured the continuous recruitment drives by Britain and expressed skepticism at why a nation that employs rigorous immigration measures for Africans grants unchallenging means to become part of its military forces. They implored parents from Biafra to advise their offspring against enlisting in the British army and reminded them that such an act would only support those who oppress them.
IPOB urged the youth to back their movement aimed at reinstating a sovereign Biafra, rather than joining the British enlistment.
The group stressed that for the United Kingdom to entertain thoughts of incorporating Biafrans into their nation, it must first address the necessity of facilitating a peaceful departure from Nigeria by Biafra and securing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from Nigerian detention.
