The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday, alleged that opposition parties in Enugu State had been subjected to attacks and acts of political violence, blaming the state government for the incidents.

The group disclosed this in a statement, by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS).

Nwaọgụ alleged that political gatherings organised by opposition groups in Enugu State had been disrupted by suspected thugs, particularly in Nkanu West, resulting in injuries and destruction of property.

The Enugu State Government has not reacted to the accusation, which has been trending, especially on social media, with many accusing the government of stifling opposition groups in the state.

Videos and commentaries on social media showed opposition groups from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Governor Peter Mbah was a member of and won his election on its platform, and the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) of Peter Obi being attacked by thugs allegedly sponsored by officials of the Enugu State Government.

Venues of meetings and rallies were attacked, with videos showing attendees scampering for safety.

Nwaọgụ further claimed that the police had confirmed the attacks, while alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had denied responsibility.

IPOB described the alleged attacks as unacceptable and warned against associating the group with political violence.

Nwaọgụ said: “What is happening in Enugu is unacceptable. Governor Peter Mbah’s political space has become a theatre of thugs disrupting rallies and ward meetings of opponents.

“Opposition gatherings in Nkanu West have been invaded. People have been shot. Canopies and chairs have been destroyed. The police confirm the attacks. The APC denies everything. The pattern is what matters.

“Let me say this clearly, so nobody hijacks our name: IPOB is against every form of violence. A boycott is not a licence to disrupt rallies. A boycott is not a licence to unleash thugs.”

Nwaọgụ said IPOB opposed political violence and warned that its proposed election boycott should not be associated with attacks on political gatherings.

The IPOB official reiterated the group’s position that it would boycott the general elections scheduled for January, linking the decision to the continued detention and legal proceedings involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

He, however, urged IPOB members and supporters to remain disciplined and avoid violence.

Nwaọgụ also called on the Federal Government to ensure that Kanu’s appeal is listed and heard, arguing that the IPOB leader’s continued detention was central to the group’s position on the election.

He said: “The method we will use to ensure compliance with the election boycott will be revealed nearer the time. Stay disciplined. Do not give them the riot they are praying for. The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise.

“Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government. Tell them to list and hear Onyendu’s appeal. Time is going.”

He said IPOB would maintain its proposed boycott if the appeal was not heard.

The statement also addressed the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

Nwaọgụ criticised the circumstances surrounding the deaths and called for accountability, while questioning the ability of government institutions to protect people in custody.

On the international dimension of IPOB’s campaign for Kanu’s release, Nwaọgụ referred to a letter reportedly written by Israeli Knesset member MK Afef Abed to United Nations officials on September 1, 2026.

According to the statement, the letter called for the implementation of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 25/2022 concerning Kanu’s detention.

Nwaọgụ also referred to previous interventions by United States Congressman John James and developments in Catalonia, presenting them as part of the group’s international campaign.

The IPOB official said the organisation would continue efforts to secure Kanu’s release and support people detained or injured in connection with the separatist movement.

He added, “Our lawyers have commenced the appeals of those illegally detained. Those injured are receiving treatment. Prison outreach continues in Igweocha, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki.”

Nwaọgụ also restated IPOB’s opposition to the proscription of the organisation, saying its appeal against the order was pending before the Supreme Court.

He further raised legal arguments concerning Kanu’s conviction, including provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

Nwaọgụ argued that the relevant legal provisions did not support Kanu’s conviction and accused the government of failing to pursue the pending proceedings.