It's good that both factions of IPOB have decried and condemned the killing of Dr Akunyili. However, let's also be sincere enough to admit that we nursed whatever is happening now from the day we started hailing "unknown gunmen" and seeing them as liberators.

We fed the beast when we supported the violent enforcement of sit-at-home. We fed the beast when we all laughed over the killing of policemen and soldiers, the prison breaks, the release of criminals and other similar things that happened. The leadership of IPOB didn't denounce these killings when it was linked to their security outfit. They rather used words that would only encourage more killings.
IPOB called "unknown gunmen" saviours. I listened to that particular speech where these unknown gunmen were called "Saints" and "Angels" by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu before his arrest.

Now, IPOB is struggling to save their face because even the cockroach is beginning to agitate. Do you know why? Because when the whole thing started, they endorsed it. It coincided with the launch of ESN, they didn't condemn or denounce the atrocities. So, it is normal for people to think that "unknown gunmen" is synonymous with ESN.

For the records, ESN was created to secure the forests against Fulani Herdsmen. It was strictly for this purpose but since the killings began, with what looked like an endorsement from IPOB leadership and members, it is normal to think that they left the forest to start attacking civilians. To what gain?

For example, every killing today in the North is credited to herdsmen but we know some of these killings aren't necessarily by herdsmen. That's exactly what is happening in the South East. Many years back, there were "celebrity armed robbers" who reigned in the East. There were no ESN then remember. So, these killings may not necessarily be by ESN but we empowered them when we showered them with support of praises.

Remember the days of Bakassi? South East especially Anambra State was known to be the den of robbers, assassins and political thugs. I witnesses several robbery attacks, some of these attacks were life-threatening. There were no ESN then, there were no armed herdsmen then. It seems like we are back to those days.

Now, every violence and killing that happen in South East is attributed to IPOB. Most of these killings may be politically motivated but IPOB fell for the trap that was set by the fifth columnist. I think some of the strategies IPOB used is turning back against them. Yes, egocentric folks won't want to admit this but it's time to retreat and re-strategize.

But...
It's still early to redeem their image. How? By continuously campaigning against these killings, by showing their full support for peace and by seasoning their words with grace.

Once upon a time, people were defending IPOB and letting the world know that they are not a terrorist organisation. Now, it is very difficult to defend them.

One thing is sure anyway... The people we should hold responsible for this breakdown of law and order is those who swore an oath to protect lives and properties. Hold your political leaders responsible.

They failed. Period.

Op how did you know they are ipob?? I thought they are unknown gun men??

If you think peace is boring, try war