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ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has called on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue, urging the group to reflect on the historic surrender of Biafran forces to the Federal Government on January 13, 1970, which marked the end of the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement issued on the 53rd anniversary of the Biafra surrender, PeacePro emphasized the importance of respecting the peace agreement signed five decades ago, which prioritized national unity and reconciliation.
Executive Director of PeacePro, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stated, “The violent approach of IPOB contradicts the peaceful resolution chosen by Biafran leaders. The surrender of Biafra to the Nigerian government was a historic moment for peace, and it is essential for IPOB to honor that decision and choose dialogue over conflict.”
Calls for Dialogue Over Violence
Hamzat stressed that IPOB’s armed struggle undermines the “No Victor, No Vanquished” declaration made by the Federal Government at the end of the Civil War, which laid the foundation for rebuilding and reintegrating the Southeast.
“The continued pursuit of violence by IPOB dishonors the memory of those who chose peace to stop further bloodshed during the Biafra war,” PeacePro said in its statement.
The foundation also condemned calls for the unconditional release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that such demands, without a commitment to peace, are misguided and unlikely to bring lasting stability to the region.
“True peace and progress require acknowledgment of mistakes and a change in approach,” PeacePro noted. “IPOB’s violent activities have cost many lives and devastated the economy of the Southeast.”
Urging Unity and Responsibility
Hamzat further urged IPOB to recognize that lasting peace can only be achieved through non-violent advocacy and negotiation, aligning with democratic principles and respect for human life. He also called for unity among the various factions of IPOB, stressing that the ongoing violence in the Southeast cannot be attributed to one faction alone.
“Both factions within IPOB must take responsibility for the crisis in the Southeast, including the activities of unknown gunmen,” Hamzat said. “They must work with the Federal Government to address insecurity in the region.”
PeacePro reiterated its call for the Nigerian government to remain committed to inclusive dialogue, justice, and equity, ensuring that grievances are addressed within the framework of national unity.
In closing, PeacePro reaffirmed its dedication to promoting peace, demilitarization, and reconciliation across Nigeria, highlighting that the path to a prosperous and united nation lies in dialogue, not conflict.
